Potassium propionate

Potassium propionate (CAS 327-62-8), also known by its food additive designation E283, is the potassium salt of propionic acid used as a preservative in food and agricultural applications.

Where is Potassium propionate used?

• Baked goods: suppresses mold development and extends retail shelf life in bread, cakes, and pastries
• Animal nutrition: incorporated into feeds, particularly poultry and swine feeds, to control microbial contamination during storage and transport
• Dairy-adjacent products: mold inhibitor
• Processed cheese formulations: mold inhibitor where sodium content must be minimized
• Agricultural storage: grain preservative protecting harvested crops from fungal spoilage
• It inhibits mold and bacterial growth, extending shelf life of perishable products without the sodium load of sodium propionate alternatives.

Good to know: Unlike sodium propionate alternatives, it avoids adding sodium load.

Commercial specifications

• Food-grade specifications aligned with FCC and E283 regulatory requirements