E351 · Potassium malate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E351?
Potassium malate is a potassium salt of malic acid used in food as an acidity regulator, providing a tart taste and helping control pH in beverages and processed foods. It also contributes a small amount of dietary potassium. It is considered safe at the levels typically used in food.
Also appears on labels as: Potassium malate, K-malate, Food grade potassium malate, Potassium malate powder, Potassium malate solution, Potassium salt of malic acid, INS 351, E351, E 351, E-351, Synthetic potassium malate, Kalio malatas.
What the evidence says
- High intake may be a concern for people who need to limit dietary potassium, such as those with impaired kidney function.
- Generally well tolerated at typical food-additive levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is E351 safe?
Our overall verdict for E351 (Potassium malate) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E351 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Potassium malate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E351 and why is it used?
Potassium malate is a potassium salt of malic acid used in food as an acidity regulator, providing a tart taste and helping control pH in beverages and processed foods. It also contributes a small amount of dietary potassium. It is considered safe at the levels typically used in food.
Does E351 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Potassium malate.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.