The Sourcery NZ - Pure Potassium Bicarbonate

Potassium Bicarbonate 97% min

1kg

$35.52 NZD

Size 1kg 2kg 5kg 25kg

Potassium Bicarbonate (KHCO₃) is a mild, sodium-free alkali used across baking, brewing, winemaking, horticulture and water treatment. It has been used for centuries as a leavening agent and remains the standard choice where sodium reduction matters.

Composition

Potassium hydrogen carbonate: 97% minimum
Free flow agents: 3% maximum

This is a free-flowing, anti-caking grade. The free flow agent keeps the powder dry and pourable and is not water-soluble — please read the dissolving notes below before making up clear solutions.

Specification

Chemical formula: KHCO₃
CAS No: 298-14-6
EC/EINECS: 206-059-0
E number: E501(ii)
Molecular weight: 100.11 g/mol
Appearance: white, free-flowing powder
Solubility: approx. 22.4 g per 100 mL water at 20°C
pH (1% solution): approx. 8.2–8.6
Typical granulation: 100% passes 355 microns; 58–68% retained at 75 microns (typical figures only, not a specification)
Shelf life: 36 months from date of manufacture
Manufactured in the UK in a BRC Grade AA facility. Kosher and Halal certified.

Dissolving — please read

Add the powder to the water, not the reverse — in a thin stream into already-moving water. Tipping it in as a heap forms a floating raft that wets very slowly.
It chills the water. Dissolving potassium bicarbonate is endothermic and drops the temperature of your solution noticeably, which slows it further. Starting at 25–30°C makes a real difference.
Do not use hot water. Above roughly 60°C potassium bicarbonate begins converting to potassium carbonate and driving off CO₂.
Expect a faint haze or fine surface film. That is the free flow agent, which is insoluble. If you need a clear solution, let it stand 20–30 minutes, skim the surface and filter — a 1 micron filter gives the cleanest result.
Making mineral water or brewing liquor? Don't combine a concentrated bicarbonate stock directly with calcium or magnesium salt stocks — they will precipitate as insoluble carbonates. Make separate single-salt stocks and combine only at final dilution.
Need an additive-free grade for analytical work or perfectly clear solutions? Please contact us before ordering.

Common uses

Baking — leavening agent; sodium-free replacement for sodium bicarbonate, typically 1:1, though some formulations need up to 1:1.2
Winemaking — deacidification and pH adjustment
Homebrewing — water treatment and alkalinity adjustment
Soda water and effervescent formulations
Horticulture — soluble potassium source; used against powdery mildew
Produce washing
Fire suppression — dry chemical extinguishing media

Storage

Store in cool, dry conditions below 25°C. Reseal the bag immediately after opening — potassium bicarbonate picks up atmospheric moisture and will cake if left open.