E261 POTASSIUM ACETATE

E261 Potassium Acetate is the potassium salt of acetic acid used in food and beverage applications as an acidity regulator and buffering agent, and E261 Potassium Acetate is valued for supporting pH control and functional stability in formulated products.
E261 Potassium Acetate can contribute to preservative support by helping maintain an acidic environment when used with appropriate formulation strategies, and E261 Potassium Acetate is used in processed foods where controlled acidity and ionic balance are needed.
E261 Potassium Acetate is typically supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules and dissolves readily in water, and E261 Potassium Acetate performance depends on dosage, target pH, and interaction with other salts and acids.

CAS Number: 127-08-2
EC Number: 204-822-2
Molecular Formula: C2H3KO2
Molecular Weight: 98.14 g/mol

Synonyms: E261 Potassium Acetate, Potassium Acetate, Potassium Ethanoate, Acetic Acid Potassium Salt, Sweetener and Preservative Support Buffer (application term), Potassium Acetate Food Grade, Potassium Acetate Buffer Salt, E261, Potassium Acetate Acidity Regulator, Potassium Acetate pH Buffer, Potassium Salt of Acetic Acid, Potassium Acetate Additive, Buffering Agent, Potassium Acetate Deicing Agent, Potassium Acetate Chemical Intermediate, Potassium Acetate Organic Salt, Potassium Acetate Carboxylate, Potassium Acetate Potassium Salt, Potassium Acetate Clear Solid, Potassium Acetate Hygroscopic Salt, Potassium Acetate Water Soluble Salt, Potassium Acetate CAS 127-08-2, CH3COOK, C2H3KO2, KOAc, Potassium Acetate CH3COOK, Potassium Acetate C2H3KO2, Potassium Acetate KOAc, INS 261, E 261, Potassium Acetate E261, Potassium Acetate INS 261, Potassium Acetate E-261, Potassium Ethanoate Food Grade, Potassium Ethanoate Technical Grade, Potassium Acetate Additive Grade, Potassium Acetate Food Ingredient, Potassium Acetate Formulation Ingredient, Potassium Acetate Specialty Chemical, Potassium Acetate Raw Material, Potassium Acetate Buffer Salt, Potassium Acetate Neutralizing Agent, Potassium Acetate Processing Aid, Potassium Acetate Moisture Absorbing Salt, Potassium Acetate White Crystals, Potassium Acetate Crystalline Solid, Potassium Acetate Anhydrous, Potassium Acetate Solution Grade, Potassium Acetate Preservative Grade, E261 Potassium Acetate Food Additive, Acetic Acid Monopotassium Salt

APPLICATIONS

E261 Potassium Acetate is used in processed meats to support pH control and improve flavor balance in cured and cooked products.
E261 Potassium Acetate is incorporated into meat brines to support ionic strength and product stability in compatible formulations.
E261 Potassium Acetate is used in marinades to buffer acidity and maintain consistent taste and performance.

E261 Potassium Acetate is used in sauces and condiments to adjust acidity and maintain consistent pH during shelf life.
E261 Potassium Acetate is incorporated into salad dressings to provide buffering and stabilize acid systems.
E261 Potassium Acetate is used in mayonnaise-type products to help manage pH and formulation stability.

E261 Potassium Acetate is used in bakery products to support pH adjustment and to influence leavening reactions in compatible systems.
E261 Potassium Acetate is incorporated into dough systems where controlled acidity supports processing and flavor.
E261 Potassium Acetate is used in baked snacks to help balance sourness and maintain stable pH in seasoning systems.

E261 Potassium Acetate is used in pickled foods and brines as part of buffering systems to manage acidity and flavor balance.
E261 Potassium Acetate is incorporated into vinegar-based brines to stabilize pH and reduce excessive sharpness.
E261 Potassium Acetate is used in vegetable pickles to support consistent acid profile across batches.

E261 Potassium Acetate is used in dairy-based sauces and processed cheese systems to support buffering and improve texture stability in compatible designs.
E261 Potassium Acetate is incorporated into dairy preparations to help maintain desired pH and reduce separation risk.
E261 Potassium Acetate is used in plant-based sauces to support stable acidity and consistent taste.

E261 Potassium Acetate is used in beverage formulations in some applications to adjust acidity and support buffering in flavored drinks.
E261 Potassium Acetate is incorporated into syrups and concentrates to stabilize pH for flavor consistency.
E261 Potassium Acetate is used in functional beverages where potassium contribution and buffering may be desirable in compatible designs.

E261 Potassium Acetate is used as a potassium source and buffering agent in specialized food products where sodium reduction is a goal.
E261 Potassium Acetate is incorporated into low-sodium formulations to replace some sodium salts while maintaining ionic balance.
E261 Potassium Acetate is valued because E261 Potassium Acetate provides effective buffering and acidity control while supporting potassium-based sodium reduction strategies.

E261 Potassium acetate is used as an acidity regulator in food to control pH and flavor.
E261 Potassium acetate supports buffering with acetic acid to maintain stable acidity.
E261 Potassium acetate helps improve microbial stability by supporting target pH conditions.

E261 Potassium acetate is used in salt-reduced foods as a partial sodium replacement ingredient in some formulations.
E261 Potassium acetate supports savory taste and ionic strength while lowering sodium contribution.
E261 Potassium acetate helps maintain functional properties in low-sodium recipes.

E261 Potassium acetate is used in processed meat and poultry as a preservative support ingredient in some systems.
E261 Potassium acetate supports inhibition of spoilage organisms when combined with other hurdles.
E261 Potassium acetate helps improve shelf life in chilled meat products under controlled use.

E261 Potassium acetate is used in cured meats to support antimicrobial systems in some formulations.
E261 Potassium acetate supports pH and water activity management strategies.
E261 Potassium acetate helps maintain product quality during refrigerated storage.

E261 Potassium acetate is used in ready-to-eat meat products to support safety programs in some processes.
E261 Potassium acetate supports control of certain pathogens as part of validated formulations.
E261 Potassium acetate helps extend shelf life and reduce spoilage risk in RTE products.

E261 Potassium acetate is used in sauces and dressings as a pH adjuster and buffer component.
E261 Potassium acetate supports stable acidity and flavor balance in acidified sauces.
E261 Potassium acetate helps reduce separation risk by maintaining consistent ionic conditions in some emulsions.

E261 Potassium acetate is used in mayonnaise-type sauces to stabilize pH in some recipes.
E261 Potassium acetate supports tangy flavor profile when paired with acetic acid or vinegar.
E261 Potassium acetate helps improve preservative effectiveness by supporting pH targets.

E261 Potassium acetate is used in pickling brines as a buffering and flavor-support salt in some applications.
E261 Potassium acetate supports stable acidity and consistent taste in brines.
E261 Potassium acetate helps control pH drift during storage of pickled products.

E261 Potassium acetate is used in bakery as a dough acidification and buffering component in some formulations.
E261 Potassium acetate supports flavor development and pH control in certain baked goods.
E261 Potassium acetate helps manage microbial spoilage risk in some fillings and toppings.

DESCRIPTION

E261 Potassium Acetate is the potassium salt of acetic acid, and E261 Potassium Acetate functions as an acidity regulator by contributing acetate ions that participate in buffering systems with acetic acid.
E261 Potassium Acetate helps stabilize pH, and stable pH supports consistent flavor, processing behavior, and product quality across shelf life.
E261 Potassium Acetate is readily soluble in water, and this solubility supports easy incorporation into brines, sauces, and liquid mixes.

E261 Potassium Acetate can influence ionic strength and taste, and potassium salts can contribute a slightly different salt taste profile compared with sodium salts, so sensory evaluation is important.
E261 Potassium Acetate should be used according to applicable food additive regulations and good manufacturing practices for the target market.
E261 Potassium Acetate should be dosed carefully because excessive acetate salts can affect flavor and can shift pH outside the desired range.

E261 Potassium Acetate is typically supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules, and E261 Potassium Acetate should be protected from moisture to prevent caking.
E261 Potassium Acetate should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from strong odors and contaminants.
E261 Potassium Acetate should be handled with good hygiene and dust control practices during bulk powder processing.

E261 Potassium acetate is the potassium salt of acetic acid and is used as a food additive for acidity regulation.
E261 Potassium acetate is typically a white crystalline powder or granules with good water solubility.
E261 Potassium acetate provides acetate ions for buffering and potassium ions for electrolyte contribution.

E261 Potassium acetate is commonly used with acetic acid to form acetate buffer systems that resist pH change.
E261 Potassium acetate can be used as a sodium-reduction tool because it provides salt functionality without sodium.
E261 Potassium acetate taste can be slightly different from sodium salts, so sensory optimization is used.

E261 Potassium acetate is also used outside food in deicing, oilfield brines, and industrial processes.
E261 Potassium acetate is considered less corrosive than chloride salts in some applications, but compatibility testing is still important.
E261 Potassium acetate performance depends on concentration, temperature, and the presence of other salts and additives.

E261 Potassium acetate should be stored in tightly closed containers in a dry place because it can absorb moisture.
E261 Potassium acetate is valued for buffering, versatility, and broad use across food and industrial applications.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Formula: C2H3KO2
Molecular Weight: 98.14 g/mol
Common Name: E261 Potassium Acetate
Chemical Type: Acetate salt; acidity regulator; buffering agent; potassium source
Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Salty with mild acetate note (concentration dependent)
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
pH Behavior: Forms buffer with acetic acid; solution pH depends on concentration and system composition
Melting Point: Decomposes on heating (typical)
Hygroscopicity: Slightly hygroscopic; moisture control needed for powder storage
Stability: Stable under normal storage; avoid strong oxidizers; reacts with strong acids to release acetic acid
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, tightly closed, dry
Shelf Life: Typically 24–60 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during powder handling.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a large amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care as needed.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses for bulk handling.
Avoid generating dust and avoid inhalation of fine powder.
Maintain good hygiene and clean-up practices in handling areas.

Ventilation:
Use general ventilation for normal handling.
Use local exhaust where dust may be generated during powder transfer.
Minimize airborne particulate accumulation in enclosed areas.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Protect from moisture to prevent caking and maintain free-flowing behavior.
Keep containers properly labeled and protected from contamination.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Sweep up spilled material and avoid dust generation.
Collect into suitable containers for reuse or disposal according to local regulations.
Clean residues with water if needed and dry the area to prevent slip hazards.

Handling Precautions:
Optimize buffer design by balancing E261 Potassium Acetate with acetic acid to achieve target pH and desired flavor profile.
Evaluate sensory impact because potassium salts can taste different from sodium salts in reduced-sodium formulations.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable buffering performance.