E456: Potassium Polyaspartate
Main role: stabilizing wine
Also listed as: potassium salt of polyaspartic acid
What is E456 (Potassium Polyaspartate)?
Potassium polyaspartate is a polymer preparation derived from aspartic acid and potassium hydroxide. It has a specific stabilizing role in wine rather than being a general-purpose thickener for every food.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is stabilizing wine. Texture ingredients help a recipe control thickness, binding, or separation. Their behavior depends on temperature, acidity, concentration, and other ingredients; two thickeners with similar names may not perform identically.
Food and formulation examples
- Wine stabilization
- Specified wine 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 E456, E 456, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include potassium salt of polyaspartic acid. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
An additive used for wine stability does not remove alcohol-related considerations. Read the beverage's alcohol declaration independently of its stabilizing ingredients.
Is E456 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 E456 as Potassium polyaspartate. 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.