Quick Search
E326 Potassium Lactate is the potassium salt of lactic acid used in food and beverage applications as an acidity regulator, humectant, and preservative support ingredient, and E326 Potassium Lactate is valued for improving water retention, supporting pH control, and helping enhance microbial stability strategies in many processed foods.
E326 Potassium Lactate is often used where potassium-based sodium reduction is desired, and E326 Potassium Lactate supports similar functional benefits to sodium lactate while contributing potassium instead of sodium.
E326 Potassium Lactate is typically supplied as a clear to pale yellow aqueous solution of different concentrations, and E326 Potassium Lactate performance depends on concentration, dosage, and interaction with other salts and preservatives.
CAS Number: 996-31-6
EC Number: 213-400-1
Molecular Formula: C3H5KO3
Molecular Weight: 128.17 g/mol
Synonyms: E326 Potassium Lactate, Potassium Lactate, Lactic Acid Potassium Salt, Potassium 2-Hydroxypropionate, Potassium Lactate Solution, Potassium Lactate Food Grade, Potassium Lactate Humectant, Potassium Lactate Preservative Support Salt, E326, Potassium Lactate Acidity Regulator, Potassium Lactate Buffer Salt, Potassium Lactate Meat Ingredient, E326 Potassium Lactate, Potassium Lactate, Lactic Acid Potassium Salt, Potassium Salt of Lactic Acid, Potassium 2-Hydroxypropanoate, Potassium Alpha-Hydroxypropionate, Potassium α-Hydroxypropionate, 2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid Potassium Salt, Potassium Lactate Solution, Potassium Lactate Liquid, Potassium Lactate Syrup, Potassium Lactate Food Grade, Potassium Lactate Technical Grade, Potassium Lactate Pharmaceutical Grade, Potassium Lactate Cosmetic Grade, Potassium Lactate Industrial Grade, Potassium Lactate Reagent Grade, Potassium Lactate Analytical Grade, Potassium Lactate Laboratory Grade, Potassium Lactate High Purity, Potassium Lactate Pure, Potassium Lactate FCC, Potassium Lactate USP, Potassium Lactate BP, Potassium Lactate EP, Potassium Lactate JP, Potassium Lactate NF, Potassium Lactate Food Additive, Potassium Lactate Preservative, Potassium Lactate Acidity Regulator, Potassium Lactate pH Regulator, Potassium Lactate Humectant, Potassium Lactate Buffering Agent, Potassium Lactate Moisturizer, Potassium Lactate Water Binding Agent, Potassium Lactate Processing Aid, Potassium Lactate Organic Salt, Potassium Lactate Hydroxycarboxylate
APPLICATIONS
E326 Potassium Lactate is used in processed meats to improve water retention, enhance juiciness, and reduce purge in packaged products.
E326 Potassium Lactate is incorporated into cooked ham, sausages, and deli meats to support texture and slicing performance.
E326 Potassium Lactate is used in meat brines to support yield, reduce moisture loss, and improve overall product stability.
E326 Potassium Lactate is used in poultry processing to improve moisture retention and maintain tenderness during cooking and storage.
E326 Potassium Lactate is incorporated into injected or tumbled poultry products to reduce drip loss and improve shelf life.
E326 Potassium Lactate is used in marinated poultry to support flavor distribution and stable texture.
E326 Potassium Lactate is used in ready-to-eat meals to support moisture retention and improve reheating performance.
E326 Potassium Lactate is incorporated into refrigerated prepared foods to support microbiological stability strategies in combination with proper processing.
E326 Potassium Lactate is used in soups and sauces to provide mild buffering and improve consistency over shelf life.
E326 Potassium Lactate is used in bakery products to support moisture retention and improve softness in compatible formulations.
E326 Potassium Lactate is incorporated into bread and tortillas to help reduce staling and improve shelf life texture.
E326 Potassium Lactate is used in cakes and muffins to support humectancy and reduce dryness.
E326 Potassium Lactate is used in cheese and dairy products in some applications to support moisture control and improve texture stability.
E326 Potassium Lactate is incorporated into processed cheese and cheese sauces to support pH balance and reduce separation.
E326 Potassium Lactate is used in dairy-based dips to maintain consistent texture during storage.
E326 Potassium Lactate is used in salad dressings and condiments to support pH control and improve product stability.
E326 Potassium Lactate is incorporated into mayonnaise-type products to help manage acidity and improve texture.
E326 Potassium Lactate is used in low-sodium formulations as part of salt systems to maintain ionic balance and functional performance.
E326 Potassium Lactate is used in sodium-reduced formulations to replace some sodium salts while maintaining humectancy and buffering performance.
E326 Potassium Lactate is incorporated into functional foods where potassium contribution is desired in compatible designs.
E326 Potassium Lactate is valued because E326 Potassium Lactate provides humectancy, buffering, and microbial stability support while enabling potassium-based sodium reduction strategies.
E326 Potassium lactate is used as a humectant in food to retain moisture and improve texture.
E326 Potassium lactate supports water binding and reduces drying in finished products.
E326 Potassium lactate helps extend shelf life by lowering water activity in some systems.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in processed meat and poultry to improve yield and juiciness.
E326 Potassium lactate supports moisture retention during cooking and chilled storage.
E326 Potassium lactate helps reduce purge loss in vacuum-packed meats.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in ready-to-eat meat products to support microbial control programs in some formulations.
E326 Potassium lactate supports inhibition of certain spoilage organisms as part of a validated hurdle system.
E326 Potassium lactate helps extend refrigerated shelf life in RTE products.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in cooked ham and deli meats to improve slicing and texture.
E326 Potassium lactate supports stable protein hydration and reduced brittleness.
E326 Potassium lactate helps maintain consistent bite in sliced meat products.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in sausages and emulsified meat products to improve emulsion stability.
E326 Potassium lactate supports stable fat-water binding during processing.
E326 Potassium lactate helps reduce fat separation and cooking losses.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in marinated meats to improve tenderness and moisture retention in some applications.
E326 Potassium lactate supports flavor distribution in brines and marinades.
E326 Potassium lactate helps improve yield and eating quality in cooked meats.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in seafood processing to improve moisture retention and texture in some products.
E326 Potassium lactate supports reduced drip loss in chilled seafood packs.
E326 Potassium lactate helps maintain fresh texture during storage.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in bakery products as a humectant to improve softness and shelf life.
E326 Potassium lactate supports moisture retention in cakes, muffins, and soft baked goods.
E326 Potassium lactate helps reduce staling and hardness over time.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in bread and buns to help delay staling in some formulations.
E326 Potassium lactate supports a softer crumb during storage.
E326 Potassium lactate helps improve shelf stability of packaged bakery.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in tortillas and flatbreads to improve flexibility and reduce cracking.
E326 Potassium lactate supports improved foldability and reduced brittleness.
E326 Potassium lactate helps maintain softness during storage.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in cakes and fillings to control water activity in some formulations.
E326 Potassium lactate supports reduced microbial risk in moisture-rich fillings.
E326 Potassium lactate helps maintain smooth texture and reduce drying.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in sauces and dressings as a humectant and flavor support ingredient in some systems.
E326 Potassium lactate supports stable viscosity and moisture control in sauces.
E326 Potassium lactate helps maintain palatability and reduce syneresis in some emulsions.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in mayonnaise-type sauces to help stabilize water activity in some formulations.
E326 Potassium lactate supports improved shelf life in chilled sauces when used in validated systems.
E326 Potassium lactate helps maintain consistent texture during storage.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in dairy desserts to improve body and moisture retention in some products.
E326 Potassium lactate supports smooth mouthfeel and reduced syneresis in some dairy systems.
E326 Potassium lactate helps maintain stability during chilled storage.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in frozen desserts to influence freezing point and improve texture in some formulations.
E326 Potassium lactate supports softer texture by contributing to freezing point depression.
E326 Potassium lactate helps reduce ice crystal growth during storage in some systems.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in confectionery to control moisture and water activity in some products.
E326 Potassium lactate supports texture stability in chewy confections.
E326 Potassium lactate helps reduce drying and hardening over shelf life.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in fruit preparations and fillings to control water activity in some formulations.
E326 Potassium lactate supports microbial stability in high-moisture fruit fillings.
E326 Potassium lactate helps maintain consistent texture in filled bakery products.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in pickled foods as a buffering and flavor-support ingredient in some recipes.
E326 Potassium lactate supports stable acidity and improved mouthfeel.
E326 Potassium lactate helps reduce harshness of acid systems in some pickles.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in beverage processing as an electrolyte component in some formulations.
E326 Potassium lactate supports potassium contribution and buffering in selected drinks.
E326 Potassium lactate helps balance taste in functional beverages in some designs.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in low-sodium formulations as a potassium-based alternative to sodium salts in some foods.
E326 Potassium lactate supports sodium reduction strategies while maintaining functionality.
E326 Potassium lactate helps improve label positioning for reduced sodium in some products.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in oral care products as a humectant and buffering salt in some formulations.
E326 Potassium lactate supports moisture retention and smooth mouthfeel in toothpaste.
E326 Potassium lactate helps stabilize pH in some oral gels.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in cosmetics as a humectant to improve skin hydration feel.
E326 Potassium lactate supports water binding in lotions, creams, and gels.
E326 Potassium lactate helps reduce dryness perception after application.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in skin care products as part of natural moisturizing factor (NMF)-type humectant blends.
E326 Potassium lactate supports improved hydration and smoother skin feel.
E326 Potassium lactate helps reduce tightness sensation in dry skin products.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in soaps and cleansing bars to improve mildness and reduce cracking in some formulations.
E326 Potassium lactate supports improved bar hardness and smoother texture in soap making.
E326 Potassium lactate helps improve unmolding and reduces brittleness in cold-process soaps.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in liquid soaps and body washes to improve humectancy in some systems.
E326 Potassium lactate supports moisture retention and reduces dryness after washing.
E326 Potassium lactate helps improve skin feel and foam quality in some products.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in shampoos and conditioners as a humectant and pH support ingredient in some formulations.
E326 Potassium lactate supports moisture balance and improved manageability in hair care.
E326 Potassium lactate helps reduce dryness perception in scalp and hair products.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in industrial fermentation as a lactate salt in some nutrient and buffering systems.
E326 Potassium lactate supports pH control and carbon source strategies in certain bioprocesses.
E326 Potassium lactate helps maintain stable conditions for microbial growth in some systems.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in animal feed as an acidifier and preservative support ingredient in some formulations.
E326 Potassium lactate supports feed hygiene and stability under controlled use.
E326 Potassium lactate helps improve palatability in some feed systems.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in water treatment and industrial processes as a biodegradable carbon source in some denitrification systems.
E326 Potassium lactate supports microbial reduction of nitrates under controlled conditions.
E326 Potassium lactate helps improve nitrogen removal performance in wastewater treatment.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in industrial wastewater nutrient removal programs as an external carbon source.
E326 Potassium lactate supports stable denitrification in low-carbon waste streams.
E326 Potassium lactate helps reduce nitrate and nitrite levels in effluent under controlled operation.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in product development to tune humectancy, water activity, and shelf life in foods.
E326 Potassium lactate supports achieving target texture while improving microbial stability in some systems.
E326 Potassium lactate helps optimize sensory acceptance and shelf life simultaneously.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in manufacturing troubleshooting to address purge loss and dryness in meat products.
E326 Potassium lactate supports improved water binding and reduced cooking loss.
E326 Potassium lactate helps stabilize texture and yield when process conditions are controlled.
DESCRIPTION
E326 Potassium Lactate is the potassium salt of lactic acid and is commonly produced by neutralizing lactic acid with potassium hydroxide, resulting in a water-soluble lactate salt.
E326 Potassium Lactate functions as a humectant by binding water, and this water binding helps improve juiciness, reduce purge, and maintain softness in many foods.
E326 Potassium Lactate can help support microbial stability strategies by lowering water activity and contributing to pH control, but E326 Potassium Lactate is not a standalone preservative and must be used with proper processing and safety controls.
E326 Potassium Lactate provides mild buffering behavior, and this buffering can help stabilize pH and reduce harsh acidity in some formulations.
E326 Potassium Lactate can influence flavor and salt perception, and potassium salts can taste different from sodium salts, so sensory evaluation is important.
E326 Potassium Lactate should be used according to applicable food additive regulations and good manufacturing practices for the target market.
E326 Potassium Lactate is typically supplied as an aqueous solution, and concentration affects viscosity, handling, and dosing strategy.
E326 Potassium Lactate should be stored in tightly closed containers to prevent contamination and concentration changes, and tanks should be kept clean for food-grade handling.
E326 Potassium Lactate should be stored away from strong oxidizers and handled with appropriate hygiene and safety practices.
E326 Potassium lactate is the potassium salt of lactic acid and is commonly supplied as an aqueous solution.
E326 Potassium lactate is typically a clear to slightly yellow liquid with mild salty taste.
E326 Potassium lactate is highly soluble in water and provides humectancy and buffering effects in formulations.
E326 Potassium lactate is widely used in meat and poultry products to improve moisture retention, yield, and shelf life as part of hurdle systems.
E326 Potassium lactate can reduce water activity and influence microbial stability when used at appropriate levels.
E326 Potassium lactate can also influence flavor, so dosage is optimized to avoid overly salty or off notes.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in personal care as a humectant and as part of moisturizing factor blends.
E326 Potassium lactate is used in soap making to improve bar hardness and handling in some processes.
E326 Potassium lactate is also used as a biodegradable carbon source for denitrification in wastewater treatment.
E326 Potassium lactate supports sodium reduction strategies by providing potassium instead of sodium in lactate functionality.
E326 Potassium lactate should be stored in tightly closed containers to prevent contamination and concentration changes from water loss.
E326 Potassium lactate is valued for water binding, processing benefits, and broad use across food, personal care, and industrial applications.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C3H5KO3
Molecular Weight: 128.17 g/mol
Common Name: E326 Potassium Lactate
Chemical Type: Lactate salt; acidity regulator; humectant; preservative support ingredient; potassium source
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid (aqueous solution)
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Taste: Mild salty with slight lactic note; potassium note possible (concentration dependent)
Solubility: Miscible with water (as solution); soluble as solid form
pH Behavior: Buffering with lactic acid; solution pH depends on concentration and system composition
Hygroscopicity: High (strong moisture binding)
Viscosity: Concentration and temperature dependent
Stability: Stable under normal storage; avoid strong oxidizers
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, tightly closed; protect from contamination
Shelf Life: Typically 12–24 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if mists are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing aerosols during spraying and heated 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 splashing into eyes and maintain good hygiene in liquid handling lines.
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Ventilation:
Use general ventilation for normal handling.
Use local exhaust if spraying or heated handling generates mists.
Avoid aerosol formation in enclosed spaces without adequate airflow.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers or tanks in a cool, clean area.
Protect from contamination by maintaining sanitary transfer lines and closed handling.
Avoid prolonged exposure to high heat that can change color and odor over time.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Contain and clean spills promptly because liquids can create slip hazards.
Wash down residue with water and remove slick films from floors.
Dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.
Handling Precautions:
Optimize dosage because E326 Potassium Lactate affects water retention, flavor, and pH, and excessive levels can create bitter or metallic notes.
Use E326 Potassium Lactate as part of a validated food safety and preservation strategy rather than relying on E326 Potassium Lactate alone.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices and maintain sanitary handling to ensure consistent quality and avoid contamination.
