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Potassium bicarbonate

Potassium bicarbonate suppliers and sourcing guide

Potassium bicarbonate is a white crystalline salt made by passing carbon dioxide through a solution of potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate and crystallizing the product. It contains about 39% potassium and dissolves readily in water. Brands use it as a potassium source in powders and effervescent tablets, as a leavening base and as a pH adjuster in drinks, baked goods and wine.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Potassium hydrogen carbonate · Potassium acid carbonate · E501(ii) · KHCO3
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of potassium bicarbonate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Food or USP grade crystals

    Free-flowing crystals for leavening, drink mixes and effervescent tablets.

  • Fine powder

    Milled grades that dissolve and react faster in dry mixes.

  • Granular

    Coarser grades for effervescent tablets and controlled leavening.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay
Potassium bicarbonate content by acid titration, against the USP or Food Chemicals Codex specification.
Carbonate
A limit on potassium carbonate, which rises if the material loses carbon dioxide.
Loss on drying
Moisture of the crystals.
Lead and other metals
Heavy metals by ICP-MS.
Particle size
Sieve analysis, which affects reaction rate in leavening and effervescent systems.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store potassium bicarbonate in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place; it slowly loses carbon dioxide when warm or damp and can cake. Keep it away from acids. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with assay and carbonate the usual retest checks.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the assay and particle size for each lot, because particle size changes reaction speed in leavening and effervescent products. Rotate stock first-expired, first-out.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 184.1613 affirms potassium bicarbonate as GRAS for use as a formulation aid, nutrient supplement, pH control agent and processing aid, at levels not exceeding current good manufacturing practice.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's List of Permitted pH Adjusting Agents, Acid-Reacting Materials and Water Correcting Agents includes potassium bicarbonate as an acid-reacting material in baking powder, among other uses.

    Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists potassium bicarbonate among the source ingredients for potassium (Table 2).

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv) sets the Reference Daily Intake for potassium at 4,700 mg for adults and children 4 years and older.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Potassium bicarbonate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking potassium bicarbonate suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell potassium bicarbonate? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of potassium bicarbonate can brands buy?

Common forms include food or USP grade crystals, fine powder and granular. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for potassium bicarbonate include?

Expect assay, carbonate, loss on drying, lead and other metals and particle size, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should potassium bicarbonate be stored?

Store potassium bicarbonate in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place; it slowly loses carbon dioxide when warm or damp and can cake. Keep it away from acids. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with assay and carbonate the usual retest checks.

What is the regulatory status of potassium bicarbonate?

21 CFR 184.1613 affirms potassium bicarbonate as GRAS for use as a formulation aid, nutrient supplement, pH control agent and processing aid, at levels not exceeding current good manufacturing practice. Health Canada's List of Permitted pH Adjusting Agents, Acid-Reacting Materials and Water Correcting Agents includes potassium bicarbonate as an acid-reacting material in baking powder, among other uses. Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists potassium bicarbonate among the source ingredients for potassium (Table 2). 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv) sets the Reference Daily Intake for potassium at 4,700 mg for adults and children 4 years and older.

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