Is e522 vegan?

E522 is the E-number for aluminium potassium sulphate, commonly referred to as potassium alum. It is a mineral compound that can occur naturally as the mineral alunite, though industrial food-grade supplies are typically manufactured synthetically by reacting potassium sulphate with aluminium sulphate in an aqueous solution.

In food processing, E522 functions primarily as a firming agent, stabilizer, and acidity regulator. It is commonly added to commercially pickled vegetables to help maintain their crisp texture, to certain baking powders as a slow-acting leavening acid, and occasionally to candied peel or processed fruit products.

This additive is vegan because it is derived exclusively from mineral and synthetic chemical sources. Animal products, animal-derived by-products, and animal processing aids are not utilized at any stage of its extraction or synthesis, making foods containing E522 suitable for individuals following a vegan diet.