E326: Potassium Lactate
Main role: acidity control and moisture retention
Also listed as: potassium L-lactate
What is E326 (Potassium Lactate)?
Potassium lactate is a potassium salt of lactic acid, selected for acidity and moisture-management roles in some foods. It is a different ingredient from potassium chloride and can serve a different formulation purpose.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is acidity control and moisture retention. Acidity regulators adjust or buffer pH. The resulting acidity depends on the whole recipe, not just the presence of one acid or salt. Acidity control may also affect texture and the performance of other ingredients.
Food and formulation examples
- Specified processed meats
- Sauces
- Acidity-control preparations
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E326, E 326, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include potassium L-lactate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
A potassium-based recipe may be chosen to alter a sodium formulation, but the finished nutrition label is needed to compare products. Do not estimate potassium exposure from the E number alone.
Is E326 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E326 as Potassium lactate. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.