Foods Containing E517 (Ammonium Sulphate)
E517 (Ammonium Sulphate) is a mineral salt, used as a acidity regulator to help control the acidity or alkalinity of food. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E517
E517 is used across baked goods, soft drinks, sweets, dairy products and processed foods. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Baked goods
- Soft drinks
- Sweets
- Dairy products and processed foods
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E517 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E517" or as "Ammonium Sulphate".
How to spot E517 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 "acidity regulators: E517" or "acidity regulators: ammonium sulphate". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Ammonium Sulphate" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E517?
E517 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 E517.
Full guide to E517: safety, vegan and halal status →
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Want to avoid E517?
Additive-free eating
Cookbooks and guides for cooking without additives.
Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).