Potassium Carbonate

Other names: Potassium carbonate, Kaliumcarbonate, Potash, E501

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Potassium carbonate, also known as Kaliumcarbonate, Potash or E501, is a white crystalline substance widely used in industry and food. It can be found naturally in the mineral sylvinite and dissolved in the water of the seas and large lakes. However, it is very often produced industrially, specifically by electrolysis of potassium salts. In the food industry, it is used as an acidity regulator, but its uses are wide-ranging and range from glass manufacture to soaps to photographic processes.

Due to its unique properties, potassium carbonate is an essential ingredient in some of the foods and products we use every day. For example, in the food industry, E501 is primarily used as an acidity regulator in many products with a longer shelf life, such as various soups, sauces, ice cream, cookies, beverages, cheese and even sometimes in bread. Its acidity regulation helps maintain the functionality of the bacteria needed for the fermentation process while extending the shelf life of the food. In addition, potassium carbonate is essential in the production of glass and ceramics, where it acts as a fusing agent. In cosmetics, it finds application in soaps, where it helps to hold its shape longer and enhances the washing ability of the soap.