Ammonium chloride
Safe for treats like salty liquorice, but eat in moderation.
- Category
- Flavour enhancers
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
An inorganic salt famously used to give salty liquorice (Salmiakki) its distinct, sharp, astringent taste.
How it is used in food
Acts as a flavouring agent, yeast nutrient and acidity regulator. It delivers the sharp, tongue-tingling 'salmiak' taste in Nordic salty liquorice and supports yeast growth in some baked goods.
Commonly found in- Salty liquorice (Nordic countries)
Health and safety
Safe in moderation, but high intake can disrupt the blood's acid-base balance. It is not classified as a standard E-number additive in the EU, but as a flavoring.
JECFA and EU flavouring evaluations found it safe at typical intakes, as ammonium and chloride are handled by normal metabolism. However, Nordic food authorities note that very high habitual intake (several grams per day from heavy liquorice consumption) can cause metabolic acidosis, so moderation is advised for children and pregnant women.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E510
Worth knowing
Known as 'salmiakki' in Finland, ammonium chloride liquorice is a beloved national treat across the Nordic countries and the Netherlands — a flavour so intense that most first-time tasters from other countries find it startling.
Conclusion
Safe for treats like salty liquorice, but eat in moderation.
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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