Potassium acetate is a commonly used food additive that can be used as a preservative and antibacterial agent, helping to extend the shelf life of food. Meanwhile, it is also a seasoning agent that can enhance the taste of food. Potassium acetate is also widely used in industrial production. For example, it can serve as a buffer in the electroplating industry to prevent excessive acidity of the electrolyte. In addition, it can also be used to manufacture dyes and pigments, improving the stability and durability of products.

Potassium acetate exhibits chemical properties as a weak acidic substance rather than a strong base. It is highly soluble in water, ethanol, and methanol, but insoluble in ether. The solution of potassium acetate is alkaline for litmus, but not for phenolphthalein. In addition, it also has flammability but low toxicity, with an LD50 of 3250mg/kg.