E283 - Potassium Propionate

Author: Dean Rouseberg Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: January 27, 2026

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristics: The combination of propionic acid with potassium salts gives potassium propionate. In appearance it is a white crystalline powder, easily soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol. Упо

Characteristic

The combination of propionic acid with potassium salts gives potassium propionate . In appearance it is a white crystalline powder, easily soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol.

Use

Potassium propionate is not used as often as other propionates (calcium propionate is the most widely used preservative). However, E 283 is used in the production of dairy and bakery products. It is found in cakes, biscuits and other pasta. The permissible amount of the additive is 3 grams per 1 kg of production. The substance is also used in cosmetics - in small doses for storage of cosmetics (not more than 2% propionic acid). Propionic acid is an aggressive liquid with a pungent odor, which makes it difficult to use in its free form. This problem is solved with the use of stable potassium salts.

Impact on humans

There is no restriction on the daily intake of the supplement, but in some cases (in sensitive people) the use of foods containing E 283 leads to headaches. Potassium salt is actively involved in most metabolic processes in the human body. The chemical compound propionic acid and sodium hydroxide gives the salts antibacterial properties. The preservative may be carcinogenic to humans and cause cancer cells to form if the dosage is not correct, so safety precautions must be observed. Improper use can cause allergic skin diseases, memory problems and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.

E283 - Potassium Propionate

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristic

Use

Impact on humans

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