E508: Potassium Chloride
Main role: salt replacement and texture control
Also listed as: KCl, potassium salt
What is E508 (Potassium Chloride)?
Potassium chloride provides a salty taste and can replace some sodium chloride in formulated foods. It also has technical uses related to ionic strength and texture.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is salt replacement and texture control. Mineral ingredients can adjust acidity, firm a food, or keep powders flowing. A technical mineral ingredient does not establish a nutritional dose; use the nutrition declaration to assess amounts per serving.
Food and formulation examples
- Reduced-sodium salt blends
- Savory foods
- Processed-food formulations
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 E508, E 508, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include KCl, potassium salt. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Reduced sodium does not necessarily mean low potassium. People instructed to limit potassium should check salt substitutes and discuss appropriate choices with their care team.
Is E508 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 E508 as Potassium chloride. 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.