My diet:

E332 Potassium citrate

E332Acidity regulatorsOrigin: Mineral
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VeganYes

It is citric acid neutralized with a potassium alkali.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Potassium citrate (E332) is the potassium salt of citric acid. It is GRAS in the US and permitted in the EU and Canada. It controls acidity the way sodium citrate does, and it adds potassium instead of sodium.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE332
Comes fromMineral
What it doesAcidity regulators
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledPotassium citrate, Tripotassium citrate

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

The FDA affirms potassium citrate as GRAS (21 CFR 184.1625). The EU lists it as E332 and Canada permits it. It does the same jobs as sodium citrate, with potassium instead of sodium. People who must limit potassium, including many with kidney disease, notice that swap.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

The crystals are white and sour-salty. Drinks, jams and electrolyte mixes use them to set the acidity and to supply potassium.

Where it comes from: The FDA describes potassium citrate as the potassium salt of citric acid, made by neutralizing citric acid with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate. The GRAS identity is the monohydrate, CAS 6100-05-6.

Why it’s in food

  • Buffers the acidity of a drink
  • Supplies potassium in an electrolyte mix
  • Stops a jam from tasting flat
  • Replaces sodium citrate when a formula wants less sodium

Often found in

Soft drinksJams and jelliesElectrolyte powdersProcessed cheeseGel dessertsInfant formula

Also listed as: Potassium citrate, Tripotassium citrate, Potassium salt of citric acid

Health & gut impact

A citrate saltBenefit

The body handles citrate as it handles the citrate from fruit. The FDA's identity is citric acid neutralized with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate.

21 CFR 184.1625

Potassium loadUnder study

Each dose brings potassium. People with kidney disease are often told to limit potassium, and this salt is one place it hides.

National Kidney Foundation guidance on potassium

What can I use instead?

Sodium citrate

Ratio: Match the acidity, and you add sodium instead

Best for: A buffer when potassium is the problem

Citric acid

Ratio: You lose the buffering salt

Best for: A straight sour note

Related

More acidity regulators:

Acetic acid E260Acetic acid (E260) is the acid that makes vinegar sour. Diluted in food it is considered safe. The hazard is the concentrated factory form, not a splash of vinegar.Generally safeAmmonium carbonate E503Ammonium carbonate (E503) is a traditional leavening agent that makes thin cookies and crackers crisp. It breaks down into gas in the oven, so little of it stays in the finished food.Generally safeCalcium carbonate E170Calcium carbonate (E170) is ground limestone, the same calcium found in antacids. It adds calcium to plant milks and flour and is very safe.Generally safeCalcium chloride E509Calcium chloride (E509) is a salty calcium salt that firms tofu, cheese curds and pickles. It is considered safe at food doses. Too much tastes bitter, which is why recipes use a little.Generally safe

Common questions

Is potassium citrate the same as sodium citrate?

Same acid, different mineral. Potassium citrate adds potassium. Sodium citrate adds sodium.

Is E332 vegan?

Yes. It is a salt of citric acid.

Is Potassium citrate safe?

Generally safe (94/100). The FDA affirms potassium citrate as GRAS (21 CFR 184.1625). The EU lists it as E332 and Canada permits it. It does the same jobs as sodium citrate, with potassium instead of sodium. People who must limit potassium, including many with kidney disease, notice that swap.

Is Potassium citrate vegan?

Yes. It is citric acid neutralized with a potassium alkali.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 184.1625 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E332
  • 21 CFR 184.1625
  • National Kidney Foundation guidance on potassium

INS 332 · CAS 6100-05-6