E525: Potassium Hydroxide
Main role: alkaline processing
Also listed as: caustic potash
What is E525 (Potassium Hydroxide)?
Potassium hydroxide is an alkaline ingredient used to adjust pH or support controlled food processing. Its use depends on concentration and the production process, with food-grade purity requirements.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is alkaline processing. 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
- Cocoa processing
- Acidity adjustment
- Ingredient manufacturing
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 E525, E 525, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include caustic potash. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
The relevant consumer information is the finished product and permitted processing use. Potassium hydroxide should not be judged as though a concentrated cleaning formulation were a food ingredient.
Is E525 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 E525 as Potassium hydroxide. 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.