E351: Potassium Malate
Main role: acidity control
Also listed as: potassium hydrogen malate
What is E351 (Potassium Malate)?
Potassium malate is a potassium salt related to malic acid. It is used to manage the acidity of suitable food systems. Its name distinguishes it from potassium citrate and potassium lactate, which belong to other acid families.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is acidity control. 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 acidity-control blends
- Selected food and beverage 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 E351, E 351, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include potassium hydrogen malate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
A malate ingredient may appear for a technological role rather than as a mineral supplement. The E number identifies the compound, not a serving's potassium quantity.
Is E351 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 E351 as Potassium malate. 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.