E515 · Potassium sulfate, potassium hydrogen sulfate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E515?
Potassium sulfate and potassium hydrogen sulfate are used in food processing as acidity regulators and salt substitutes, and appear in some low-sodium seasoning products. Outside food, potassium sulfate is best known as a fertilizer that supplies potassium and sulfur to crops without adding chloride.
Also appears on labels as: Potassium sulfate, Potassium sulphate, Potassium hydrogen sulfate, Potassium bisulfate, Sulfuric acid, dipotassium salt, Sulfuric acid, monopotassium salt, K2SO4, KHSO4, E515, E 515, E-515, E515(i).
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels for the general population.
- People with kidney disease should monitor potassium intake, as these compounds add to dietary potassium load.
Research behind the verdict
- Potassium Sulfate Food Additive: FDA Safety Assessment and Regulatory Status — US FDA Food Safety Division, Code of Federal Regulations - Food and Drugs (2024). A regulatory evaluation of potassium sulfate (E515) as a food additive, examining both potassium sulfate and potassium hydrogen sulfate forms. The FDA assessment confirmed that potassium sulfate meets Food Chemicals Codex specifications and is generally recognized as safe when used according to approved guidelines. The study found the compound to be well-tolerated with a bitter, saline taste. Safety data support its continued use as a food additive with appropriate regulatory oversight.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E515 safe?
Our overall verdict for E515 (Potassium sulfate, potassium hydrogen sulfate) 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 E515 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Potassium sulfate, potassium hydrogen sulfate — 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 E515 and why is it used?
Potassium sulfate and potassium hydrogen sulfate are used in food processing as acidity regulators and salt substitutes, and appear in some low-sodium seasoning products. Outside food, potassium sulfate is best known as a fertilizer that supplies potassium and sulfur to crops without adding chloride.
Does E515 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Potassium sulfate, potassium hydrogen sulfate.
Watch E515
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Potassium sulfate, potassium hydrogen sulfate changes, or when new research is added to this page.
EatMatrix reads any ingredient list with your camera and flags every additive instantly.
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.