Ingredient · E326

Potassium Lactate

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

In foods, potassium lactate is primarily used as a preservative to extend shelf life …

What it is

Potassium lactate is a salt formed from potassium and lactic acid. Lactic acid is a natural acid produced during fermentation, often from sugars found in corn or beets. It can also be made synthetically.

Why it's used

In foods, potassium lactate is primarily used as a preservative to extend shelf life by slowing the growth of spoilage bacteria. It also helps keep moisture in products and can enhance flavor. It is commonly found in processed meats like pepperoni, salami, and ham.

Health notes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers potassium lactate to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated lactic acid and its salts, and did not set a numeric acceptable daily intake (ADI not specified), indicating a very low level of concern. There are no notable controversies regarding its safety at typical intake levels.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen. While lactic acid can be produced from dairy sugars, the final potassium lactate ingredient typically does not contain milk proteins.

Products containing Potassium Lactate

Compare products →

Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories

ARCHER FARMS Lean, Applewood Smoked Boneless Ham Steak, With Natural Juices Cooked & Prepared High in sodium — 39% DV per serving 119kcal 17.9Protein 5.4Fat 1.2Carbs ARCHER FARMS Sliced Boneless Ham Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 25% DV per serving 125kcal 17.9Protein 5.4Fat 1.8Carbs HORMEL Beef Chunk Steak Other Meats High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 196kcal 16.1Protein 14.3Fat 0Carbs JENNIE-O Turkey Ham Cooked & Prepared High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 107kcal 14.3Protein 7.1Fat 3.6Carbs JONES DAIRY FARM Jones Dairy Farm, Dainty Ham With Natural Juices Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 33% DV per serving 119kcal 17.9Protein 4.8Fat 2.4Carbs HORMEL Hormel, Classic Dinner Ham Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 34% DV per serving 119kcal 16.7Protein 4.2Fat 2.4Carbs HORMEL Hormel, Cure 81, Classic Dinner Ham Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 34% DV per serving 119kcal 16.7Protein 4.2Fat 2.4Carbs HORMEL Hormel, Always Tender, Extra Lean Pork Tenderloin, Teriyaki Other Meats 116kcal 17.0Protein 3.6Fat 4.5Carbs HORMEL Hormel, Pork Center Cut Loin Filet, Mesquite Barbecue Other Meats 107kcal 17.0Protein 3.6Fat 1.8Carbs HORMEL Hormel, Always Tender, Extra Lean Pork Center Cut Loin Filet, Original Other Meats 116kcal 17.0Protein 4.5Fat 0.9Carbs HORMEL Hormel, Cure 81, Classic Dinner Ham Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 34% DV per serving 119kcal 16.7Protein 4.2Fat 2.4Carbs 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

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.