E332: Potassium Citrates
Main role: acidity buffering
Also listed as: potassium citrate, tripotassium citrate
What is E332 (Potassium Citrates)?
Potassium citrates are potassium salts of citric acid used in food-buffering systems. They help manage acidity and can contribute potassium to a formulation. The plural family name does not necessarily identify the specific citrate salt used.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is acidity buffering. 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
- Beverage formulations
- Acidity-control blends
- Selected food 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 E332, E 332, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include potassium citrate, tripotassium citrate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Food potassium citrate and a prescribed potassium citrate medicine serve different purposes and use different quantities. The food ingredient listing is not a medication dose.
Is E332 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 E332 as Potassium citrates. 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.