Foods Containing E326 (Potassium Lactate)
E326 (Potassium Lactate) is the potassium salt of lactic acid, usually from plant fermentation, used as a antioxidant to help stop fats and oils turning rancid and protect food colour and flavour. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E326
E326 is used across oils, margarine, snacks, cured meats, soft drinks and processed foods. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Oils
- Margarine
- Snacks
- Cured meats
- Soft drinks and processed foods
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E326 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E326" or as "Potassium Lactate".
How to spot E326 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "antioxidants: E326" or "antioxidants: potassium lactate". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Potassium Lactate" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E326?
E326 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E326.
Full guide to E326: safety, vegan and halal status →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).