Potassium Citrate · Buffering Agent, pH Regulator & Potassium Source for Food & Beverage

Key characteristics

• Chemical name: Potassium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate (commonly supplied as tripotassium citrate monohydrate or related forms).
• E-number: E332 (potassium citrates).
• Synonyms: potassium citrate, tripotassium citrate.
• Form: typically a white, free-flowing crystalline powder or granules suitable for dry blending and dissolution in liquid systems.
• Taste & impact: mild saline and slightly alkaline/smooth taste with low inherent sourness; primarily used for buffering, mineral supply and chelation.
• Solubility: highly soluble in water, forming clear solutions at normal use levels.
• Buffering behaviour:
  • Used with citric acid to form potassium-based citrate buffer systems,
  • Helps maintain stable pH in mildly acidic beverages, foods and nutrition products.
• Chelating properties: binds selected metal ions, supporting flavour, colour and vitamin stability especially in fortified and sensitive beverages.
• Potassium source:
  • Contributes potassium ions to the final product,
  • Useful in electrolyte, sports and isotonic drinks, and in reduced-sodium formulations where part of sodium is replaced by potassium.
• Regulatory & labelling:
  • Generally labelled as “potassium citrate”, “potassium citrates (E332)” or “acidity regulator (E332)” depending on local rules,
  • Contributes to the product’s potassium content, which is relevant for nutrition labelling and electrolyte claims.

Atlas supports development teams in using potassium citrate to fine-tune pH, balance potassium/sodium ratios, improve stability and design electrolyte profiles in line with sensory, nutritional and regulatory targets.

Indicative specification points

Specifications are adapted to food-grade standards and target applications. Typical potassium citrate parameters include:

• Assay: typically about 99.0–101.0% potassium citrate expressed on specified basis.
• Appearance: white, crystalline granules or powder, free from visible foreign matter.
• Identification tests: confirm citrate structure and potassium salt in accordance with food/pharmacopeial methods.
• Loss on drying: controlled in line with the specific hydrate form to ensure consistent functionality and flow.
• pH of solution: defined range at specified concentration to guarantee buffer performance and batch consistency.
• Water-insoluble matter: kept very low for clear beverages and solutions.
• Sulphated ash / total ash: limited according to food-grade requirements.
• Heavy metals and defined impurities: restricted to meet food and beverage ingredient standards.
• Conductivity and clarity of solution: monitored to verify high purity, especially for beverage use.
• Particle size distribution: available in granular and fine grades for beverages, dry mixes and other applications.
• Microbiological profile: low counts consistent with a mineral salt produced under hygienic conditions.

Each batch is delivered with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a technical data sheet. Additional documentation (GMO status, allergen declarations, dietary suitability, contaminants and pesticide residues, origin, Halal/Kosher certificates and others) can be provided from approved producers to support regulatory files and customer audits.

Beverages, sports & electrolyte drinks

• Carbonated soft drinks & flavoured waters – used with citric acid to create potassium-based citrate buffers that stabilise pH while reducing sodium in the formulation.
• Sports, isotonic & electrolyte drinks – a key component in electrolyte systems providing potassium ions alongside sodium, magnesium and others, helping to achieve desired osmolarity, mineral ratios and taste.
• Functional & vitamin beverages – supports pH control, mineral compatibility and vitamin stability in multivitamin or fortified drinks.
• Powdered beverage mixes – potassium citrate is blended into instant drink powders and effervescent systems as a buffer and potassium source.

Low-sodium foods & savoury applications

• Reduced-sodium soups & sauces – used as an alternative to sodium-based buffers, allowing partial replacement of sodium citrate or other sodium salts while maintaining pH control.
• Ready meals & savoury prepared foods – helps manage pH, flavour balance and mineral profile in low-/reduced-sodium recipes.
• Snack seasonings & dry blends – can be used in seasonings and dry mixes where sodium reduction and potassium enrichment are desired, subject to sensory optimisation.

Dairy, plant-based & other applications

• Dairy drinks & yoghurt beverages – supports pH control and mineral balance in milk and fermented milk drinks, especially in fortified or flavoured variants.
• Plant-based beverages (e.g. oat, almond, soy drinks) – helps manage pH, protein stability and electrolyte profile when combined with other minerals and stabilisers.
• Jams, jellies & fruit preparations – used alongside citric acid to adjust pH and buffer capacity while contributing potassium instead of sodium.
• Confectionery & powder systems – used in powdered confectionery, tablets and lozenges for buffering and mineral supply, subject to taste and regulatory considerations.

Meat, poultry & nutrition systems

• Meat and poultry brines – potassium citrate can complement or partially replace sodium salts in marinades and injection brines, helping manage pH, mineral balance and sodium reduction targets.
• Cooked meats & ready meals – contributes to pH stability and flavour in products where reduced sodium or specific electrolyte profiles are desired.
• Oral nutrition supplements & meal replacements – part of electrolyte and mineral systems providing potassium in liquid, powder or enteral nutrition formats, subject to specific category regulations.
• Dietary and sports supplements – used in powders, capsules, tablets and effervescent products to deliver potassium in a well-soluble, citrate form.

Formulation & process guidance

• Typical dosage ranges (to be optimised in trials and aligned with regulations):
  • Beverages & sports drinks: often around 0.05–0.4% depending on desired potassium content and buffer strength,
  • Low-sodium foods and sauces: dosage adjusted to achieve target pH and mineral ratios,
  • Nutrition & supplements: levels set according to label claims, serving size and regulatory limits.
• Synergies & combinations:
  • Works with citric acid to design potassium-rich citrate buffer systems,
  • Can be combined with sodium citrate, phosphates and other salts to fine-tune buffering, functionality and mineral profile,
  • Supports antioxidant systems by chelating pro-oxidant metals in conjunction with ascorbic acid and other antioxidants.
• Nutritional & labelling considerations:
  • Potassium levels contributed by potassium citrate must be reflected in nutrition labels,
  • Designing “source of potassium” or “electrolyte” – type claims requires careful alignment with local regulations,
  • Where vulnerable consumer groups are relevant, overall potassium intake should be considered in collaboration with nutrition and regulatory teams.
• Process aspects:
  • High solubility allows dosing via premixes or direct addition to process water or product streams,
  • Order of addition alongside other salts and proteins can influence stability and texture, especially in dairy, plant-based and nutrition systems,
  • Regular control of pH and buffer capacity is recommended during scale-up and shelf-life studies.
• Regulatory & compliance:
  • Manufacturers must confirm permitted uses, maximum levels, additive codes and claim conditions in each destination market,
  • Classification as acidity regulator, stabiliser, sequestrant or mineral source can vary by regulation and application.

Quality & documentation

• Supplied as food-grade potassium citrate (E332) with agreed specifications for assay, impurities, particle size and physical properties.
• Each batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a technical data sheet detailing key analytical parameters and methods.
• Additional documentation can include GMO status, allergen declarations, dietary suitability (e.g. vegetarian/vegan), contaminants and heavy metals, pesticide residues, origin and Halal/Kosher certificates, depending on the selected grade and producer.
• Manufacturing facilities typically operate under recognised quality and food safety management systems such as HACCP and FSSC/ISO 22000, with further certifications available on request.
• Customers remain responsible for regulatory compliance, additive declarations, maximum use levels, nutrition and health claims and labelling in each destination market.

Packaging, storage & logistics

• Standard packaging: usually 25 kg multi-wall paper bags with inner liners to protect against moisture uptake, caking and contamination; larger packaging options (e.g. big bags) may be available for high-volume users.
• Suitable for full-container or mixed-container loads together with other acidulants, buffers, minerals and functional ingredients.
• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from moisture, strong odours and direct sunlight to maintain free-flowing properties and consistent buffer performance.
• Typical shelf life is defined on the product specification and COA; customers should confirm caking tendency, solubility, pH stability and mineral profile under their own storage and processing conditions.
• Shipments can be arranged under FOB, CFR, CIF or other agreed Incoterms, with export, customs and quality documentation coordinated from Ankara, Türkiye.

To receive a tailored offer, please share your intended applications (beverages, sports/electrolyte drinks, low-sodium foods, dairy and plant-based, meat and poultry, sauces, jams, nutrition, supplements, etc.), target pH and buffer range, desired sodium–potassium ratio, annual volume, preferred particle size, packaging needs, documentation/certification requirements (Halal, Kosher, non-GMO, etc.) and destination markets. Our team will recommend suitable potassium citrate grades and system concepts.