Ingredient · E252

Potassium Nitrate

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Potassium nitrate is used as a preservative and a curing agent in processed meats …

What is Potassium Nitrate?

Potassium nitrate is a salt that occurs naturally in the mineral niter. It can also be manufactured synthetically. It is a white crystalline powder.

Is Potassium Nitrate vegan?

Potassium Nitrate is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Potassium Nitrate gluten-free?

It does not contain gluten.

Is Potassium Nitrate a major allergen?

Potassium nitrate is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens.

What is Potassium Nitrate used for?

Potassium nitrate is used as a preservative and a curing agent in processed meats like pepperoni, salami, and hot dogs.

Is Potassium Nitrate safe?

Potassium nitrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food.

Why it's used

Potassium nitrate is used as a preservative and a curing agent in processed meats like pepperoni, salami, and hot dogs. It helps to prevent the growth of bacteria, maintain the pink color of the meat, and add a distinct flavor.

Health notes

Potassium nitrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It has been evaluated by JECFA and EFSA. Some studies have raised questions about the formation of nitrosamines from nitrates and nitrites in processed meats, which have been linked to health concerns. However, the evidence is mixed, and regulatory bodies continue to monitor its use.

Allergen info

Potassium nitrate is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Potassium Nitrate

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Serrano Ham Slices Monte Nevado Serrano Ham Slices Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts 214kcal 32.1Protein 8.9Fat 0Carbs
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European Brand Pepperoni LIDL European Brand Pepperoni Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 429kcal 21.4Protein 39.3Fat 0Carbs
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Piccante Citterio Piccante Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 24% DV per serving 429kcal 25Protein 35.7Fat 0Carbs
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Jamon Serrano Classic Spanish Ham, Dry-Cured And Aged For Deep Flavor, Jamon Serrano Campofrio Jamon Serrano Classic Spanish Ham, Dry-Cured And Aged For Deep Flavor, Jamon Serrano Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 28% DV per serving 286kcal 25Protein 21.4Fat 0Carbs
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Giuliano, Maraschino Cherries Giuliano Giuliano, Maraschino Cherries Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 200kcal 0Protein 0Fat 40Carbs
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Sopressata Citterio Sopressata Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 321kcal 25Protein 25Fat 0Carbs
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Spicy Hard Salami Wrapped Pepper Jack Cheese, Spicy Hard Salami Fiorucci Spicy Hard Salami Wrapped Pepper Jack Cheese, Spicy Hard Salami Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 353kcal 21.2Protein 30.6Fat 2.4Carbs
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Speck Smoked Prosciutto Citterio Fresco Speck Smoked Prosciutto Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 300kcal 20Protein 23.3Fat 0Carbs
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Jamon Serrano Dry-Cured Spanish Ham Wrapped Manchego Cheese Panino, Jamon Serrano Fiorucci Jamon Serrano Dry-Cured Spanish Ham Wrapped Manchego Cheese Panino, Jamon Serrano Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 294kcal 21.2Protein 22.4Fat 2.4Carbs
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Genoa Salami With Wine, Genoa Salami Fiorucci Genoa Salami With Wine, Genoa Salami Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 35% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 411kcal 17.9Protein 37.5Fat 1.8Carbs
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Genoa Salami Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Panino, Genoa Salami Fiorucci Genoa Salami Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Panino, Genoa Salami Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 95% DV per serving 346kcal 19.7Protein 29.1Fat 1.6Carbs
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Italian Dry Salami With Wine, Italian Dry Salami Fiorucci Italian Dry Salami With Wine, Italian Dry Salami Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 393kcal 21.4Protein 32.1Fat 3.6Carbs
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Hard Salami Fiorucci Hard Salami Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 429kcal 17.9Protein 39.3Fat 0Carbs
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Calabrese Salame & Smoked Provolone Cheese, Calabrese Salame & Smoked Provolone Oberto Calabrese Salame & Smoked Provolone Cheese, Calabrese Salame & Smoked Provolone Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 34% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 343kcal 24.3Protein 27.1Fat 0Carbs
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Calabrese Hot And Spicy Salame, Calabrese Veroni Calabrese Hot And Spicy Salame, Calabrese Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 357kcal 28.6Protein 25Fat 3.6Carbs
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Hard Salami Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Panino, Hard Salami Fiorucci Hard Salami Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Panino, Hard Salami Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 353kcal 21.2Protein 30.6Fat 2.4Carbs
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Antipasto Italiano, Salame Milano, Salame Calabrese, Salame Toscano Veroni Antipasto Italiano, Salame Milano, Salame Calabrese, Salame Toscano Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 357kcal 28.6Protein 25Fat 3.6Carbs
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Hard Salami Panino Fingers, Hard Salami Publix Hard Salami Panino Fingers, Hard Salami Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 31% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 120% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 353kcal 20Protein 28.8Fat 1.8Carbs
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Pepperoni Panino Fingers, Pepperoni Publix Pepperoni Panino Fingers, Pepperoni Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 31% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 120% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 353kcal 20Protein 28.8Fat 1.8Carbs
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Imported Italian Salame Calabrese, Provolone Cheese, Italian Breadsticks Snack, Imported Italian, Provolone, Italian Veroni Imported Italian Salame Calabrese, Provolone Cheese, Italian Breadsticks Snack, Imported Italian, Provolone, Italian Lunch Snacks & Combinations High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 357kcal 21.4Protein 21.4Fat 17.9Carbs
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Preservative (28015 products) Potassium Sorbate (21407 products) Sodium Benzoate (13792 products) Sodium Nitrite (13550 products) Sodium Erythorbate (9349 products) Calcium Propionate (8459 products) Preservatives (8104 products) Sorbic Acid (7394 products)

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

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.