E527: Ammonium Hydroxide
Main role: acidity adjustment
Also listed as: ammonia solution of food grade
What is E527 (Ammonium Hydroxide)?
Ammonium hydroxide is an aqueous ammonia preparation used in controlled food processing. It serves as an acidity regulator in specified applications and must meet food-grade conditions.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is acidity adjustment. 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 ingredients
- Cocoa processing
- Specified processing 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 E527, E 527, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include ammonia solution of food grade. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
A manufacturing use does not mean household ammonia is an acceptable food substitute. Product specification and final processing conditions are the relevant distinctions.
Is E527 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 E527 as Ammonium 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.