E515: Potassium Sulphates
Main role: acidity control
Also listed as: potassium sulfate, potassium hydrogen sulfate
What is E515 (Potassium Sulphates)?
E515 covers potassium sulphate and potassium hydrogen sulphate. The different forms have different acidity properties, so the family code should be interpreted alongside the specific ingredient specification.
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-adjusted mixtures
- Food processing
- Ingredient 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 E515, E 515, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include potassium sulfate, potassium hydrogen sulfate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Potassium sulphates are not potassium sulphites. The distinction matters when reading preservation claims or checking a sulphite allergen declaration.
Is E515 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 E515 as Potassium 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.