What is E525?
E525 is Potassium hydroxide, a food additive used as an acidity regulator. A mineral, so there is no animal, pork or alcohol source.
Also written as: INS 525, E-525, E 525. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
What to do
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E525 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E525 (Potassium hydroxide) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Why we classify it this way
Halal A mineral, so there is no animal, pork or alcohol source.
Basis: No concern found. Made from plants, minerals, fermentation or synthesis, or from a permitted animal product. Nothing in normal production raises a pork, alcohol, insect or slaughter question.
No external reference is listed for this record yet.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is E525 halal?
E525 (Potassium hydroxide) is halal. A mineral, so there is no animal, pork or alcohol source.
What is E525 made from?
Mineral salt.
What is E525 used for?
E525 is used as an acidity regulator, typically in soft drinks, sweets, jams, sauces and processed foods.
What should I do if a product contains E525?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E525 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E525 (Potassium hydroxide) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.