E514: Sodium Sulphates
Main role: acidity control
Also listed as: sodium sulfate, sodium hydrogen sulfate, sodium bisulfate
What is E514 (Sodium Sulphates)?
E514 includes sodium sulphate and sodium hydrogen sulphate. These are sulphate salts, a different ingredient family from sulphite preservatives E220 to E228.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is acidity 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
- Acidity-control mixtures
- Food processing
- Specified additive 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 E514, E 514, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include sodium sulfate, sodium hydrogen sulfate, sodium bisulfate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Sulphate and sulphite are different ions. A sulphite sensitivity concern should not be transferred to sodium sulphate merely because the names sound similar.
Is E514 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 E514 as Sodium sulphates. 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.