Nutrition Diet: What is acidity regulator 332? An essential guide to potassium citrate

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, food additives are used in processed foods to improve safety, prolong shelf life, and enhance sensory properties. This is exactly the purpose of acidity regulator 332, a common food additive widely used to stabilize a variety of food and beverage products.

Quick Summary

Acidity regulator 332 is potassium citrate (E332), a food additive that controls pH, extends shelf life, and enhances food texture in processed products like soft drinks and dairy. It is generally considered safe for consumption within regulated limits.

Key Points

Potassium Citrate: Acidity regulator 332 is the common name for potassium citrate, a potassium salt of citric acid available in monopotassium (E332(i)) and tripotassium (E332(ii)) forms.
Multi-Purpose Additive: It functions as a buffer, stabilizer, emulsifier, and flavor enhancer, controlling pH and preventing spoilage in processed foods and beverages.
Safety and Regulation: International health organizations, including the WHO and FDA, consider it safe when used within regulated amounts and levels.
Commonly Found: This additive is present in a wide range of foods like soft drinks, dairy products, baked goods, and some confectioneries.
Source of Potassium: It provides a source of the essential mineral potassium, which supports bodily functions and overall health.
Industrial Production: The commercial form is produced by neutralizing citric acid, which is often derived from fermented carbohydrates.
Medicinal Uses: Beyond its use in food, potassium citrate is a prescribed medication used to prevent and manage certain kidney stone conditions.

The Role of Potassium Citrate in Processed Foods

Acidity regulator 332 is the food additive code for potassium citrate, a potassium salt of citric acid. It is often found in two forms: monopotassium citrate (E332(i)) and tripotassium citrate (E332(ii)). In food manufacturing, this compound is indispensable for maintaining the desired characteristics of many products, including taste, texture, and shelf life.

How E332 Regulates Acidity and pH

At its core, potassium citrate acts as a buffering agent, which means it helps resist changes in the pH level of a food product. This is crucial for several reasons:

Flavor Stability: Many food and beverage products, particularly fruit-flavored ones, have a specific taste profile that is highly dependent on their acidity. E332 ensures this flavor remains consistent throughout the product's shelf life.
Microbial Control: By controlling the pH, potassium citrate can inhibit the growth of unwanted microorganisms like bacteria and molds, which naturally extends the product's freshness and shelf life.
Emulsification and Stabilization: In dairy products like cheese and ice cream, it acts as an emulsifier, preventing the separation of fats and water to maintain a smooth, desirable texture.
Chelating Agent: It binds to metal ions that could otherwise cause unwanted reactions, discoloration, or flavor changes in the food.

Where You'll Find Acidity Regulator 332

Because of its versatile properties, E332 is used across a wide range of food and beverage applications. Some of the most common products that may contain potassium citrate include:

Beverages: Fruit juices, soft drinks, and energy drinks.
Dairy Products: Processed cheese, yogurts, and ice cream.
Baked Goods: Pastries and other baked items.
Confectionery: Candies and jellies.
Savory Foods: Certain sauces, relishes, and pickles.

Safety and Nutritional Information

Potassium citrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) when used in appropriate quantities. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) is responsible for evaluating additives for international use, ensuring a consistent standard of safety.

For most people, consuming E332 within the levels found in food is not a concern. However, in higher supplemental doses, some individuals may experience minor side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea. As with any food additive, those with specific sensitivities or allergies to citrate should exercise caution.

It's worth noting that while E332 provides potassium, it should not be considered a substitute for the potassium found in whole foods. A diet rich in natural sources like bananas, potatoes, and leafy greens is essential for meeting your daily potassium requirements. For instance, a banana contains naturally occurring potassium citrate that aids in blood pressure regulation. In fact, most Americans don't meet the adequate intake of potassium.

Comparison: Citric Acid vs. Potassium Citrate

While both potassium citrate and citric acid are related and can be found in foods, they have distinct functions in the food industry. Citric acid is an acidulant that primarily provides a sour taste and lowers pH, whereas potassium citrate is a salt that acts as a buffering agent to stabilize pH.


Feature	Citric Acid (E330)	Potassium Citrate (E332)
Primary Function	Provides a sharp, sour taste and lowers pH.	Regulates and stabilizes pH, acts as a buffer and emulsifier.
Effect on pH	Increases acidity, making the food more acidic.	Buffers the pH, resisting changes to keep it stable.
Common Use	Soft drinks for tartness, meat preservation, salad browning prevention.	Dairy products (cheese, ice cream), soft drinks, jams.
Body's Response	Metabolized quickly, may cause tooth erosion in large amounts.	Metabolized to bicarbonate, makes urine less acidic.

How E332 Is Made

Industrially, potassium citrate is synthesized from citric acid, which is typically produced through the fermentation of carbohydrates like molasses using the mold Aspergillus niger. The citric acid is then neutralized by adding a potassium source, such as potassium hydroxide or potassium bicarbonate, resulting in the formation of potassium citrate crystals. This process ensures a pure and consistent product for food manufacturers.

Conclusion

In summary, what is acidity regulator 332? It is potassium citrate, a multi-functional food additive that plays a vital role in modern food production. By regulating pH, it helps extend shelf life, stabilize texture, and preserve the desired taste of countless products. It is considered safe by global health authorities within regulated amounts and even provides a minor source of the essential mineral potassium. While not a replacement for dietary potassium from whole foods, it remains an important and safe component in a wide variety of processed items. Understanding the purpose of such additives empowers consumers to make informed choices about the foods they eat, promoting both health and dietary awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Acidity regulator 332 is the food additive code for potassium citrate, a potassium salt of citric acid used to regulate pH levels, stabilize texture, and preserve food and beverages.

Yes, acidity regulator 332 is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by major food safety authorities, including the FDA and EFSA, when consumed within regulated quantities found in processed foods.

While both are derived from citric acid, E330 is an acidulant that makes food more acidic, whereas E332 is a salt that acts as a buffering agent, helping to stabilize and resist changes in pH.

You can find E332 in a wide array of products, including soft drinks, fruit juices, dairy products like cheese and yogurt, baked goods, and various confectionery items.

Industrially, potassium citrate is produced by neutralizing citric acid, which is typically created through the fermentation of carbohydrates like molasses, with a potassium source.

In small quantities found in food, side effects are rare. However, high doses, often from supplements, can cause minor gastrointestinal issues, and allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals.

Yes, as a potassium salt, E332 contributes a source of the essential mineral potassium. However, it is not a significant source, and obtaining potassium from whole foods is the best strategy for a healthy diet.

Yes, since commercial potassium citrate is derived from fermented carbohydrates rather than animal products, it is generally considered vegan-friendly.

Regulatory bodies like the FDA and WHO conduct extensive safety assessments, including toxicology studies, to determine the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) and establish safe usage levels for food additives.