Ingredient · E261

Potassium Acetate

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Potassium acetate is used as a food additive to control acidity and as a …

What it is

Potassium acetate is the potassium salt of acetic acid. It is produced when potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate reacts with acetic acid. It is a white, crystalline solid that is soluble in water.

Why it's used

Potassium acetate is used as a food additive to control acidity and as a preservative. It can help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in processed meats and other foods. It is often found in pepperoni, salami, hot dogs, and other processed meat products.

Health notes

Potassium acetate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a food additive. It is also approved for use in the European Union. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated potassium acetate and established acceptable daily intake levels. At typical consumption levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects. Evidence does not suggest significant health concerns.

Allergen info

Potassium acetate is not derived from any of the nine major food allergens and does not contain gluten.

Products containing Potassium Acetate

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FARMLAND Farmland, Half Boneless Hickory Smoked Ham Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 42% DV per serving 143kcal 11.9Protein 6.0Fat 8.3Carbs LYKES Red Hot Links Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 250kcal 12.5Protein 19.6Fat 5.4Carbs FOSTER FARMS Foster Farms, Turkey Pastrani Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 125kcal 19.6Protein 4.5Fat 0Carbs FARMLAND FOODS Red Hot Links Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 250kcal 12.5Protein 19.6Fat 5.4Carbs BAR S Hot Links Sausage, Chicken And Pork Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 240kcal 10.7Protein 18.7Fat 8Carbs Farmland Foods, Inc. ""Ham,Smkd,Bnls,Nj,Wh,Amer Heartland,2Pc"" Meat/Poultry/Other Animals Prepared/Processed High in sodium — 25% DV per serving 125kcal 17.9Protein 2.7Fat 3.6Carbs Farmland Foods, Inc. ""Ham,Smkd,Pit,Wh,Lean,Fl,8/12#,2Pc"" Meat/Poultry/Other Animals Prepared/Processed High in sodium — 39% DV per serving 143kcal 15.5Protein 6.0Fat 3.6Carbs Farmland Foods, Inc. ""Ham,Stk,Smkd,Bi,Wa,(Ufb),Fl,12Pc"" Meat/Poultry/Other Animals Prepared/Processed High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 155kcal 15.5Protein 9.5Fat 1.2Carbs SMITHFIELD FOODS INC. ""Chop,Bi,Cc,Gm,Et12,4Oz,10#,Z"" Meat/Poultry/Other Animals Prepared/Processed High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 188kcal 17.9Protein 12.5Fat 0Carbs Farmland Foods, Inc. ""Ham,H&W30,Smkd,96Ff,Gm,10/12#,2Pc"" Meat/Poultry/Other Animals Prepared/Processed High in sodium — 29% DV per serving 107kcal 12.5Protein 3.6Fat 3.6Carbs Farmland Foods, Inc. ""Chop,Bi,Cc,Gm,Et12,5Oz,10#,Z"" Meat/Poultry/Other Animals Prepared/Processed High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 241kcal 22.3Protein 16.1Fat 0Carbs Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation Boneless Sirloin Diced Pork Other Meats High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 116kcal 17.9Protein 4.5Fat 0.9Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.