“Phosphates” covers phosphoric acid E338, mineral phosphate salts E339 to E343 and the di-, tri- and polyphosphates E450 to E452. They can regulate acidity, retain moisture, stabilise texture, emulsify or help baked products rise.
E338 · E339 · E340 · E341 · E343
8 linked additive entries“Phosphates” covers phosphoric acid E338, mineral phosphate salts E339 to E343 and the di-, tri- and polyphosphates E450 to E452. They can regulate acidity, retain moisture, stabilise texture, emulsify or help baked products rise.
A shared phosphorus chemistry does not give every code the same job. The functional class printed before the name—such as raising agent, stabiliser or acidity regulator—helps explain why that phosphate is in that particular product.
E338 is the acid. E339 to E343 are sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium phosphate entries. E450, E451 and E452 cover molecules with two, three or longer chains of linked phosphate units. The exact form affects how it behaves in a recipe.
A phosphate can release gas in baking powder, keep processed cheese smooth, bind water in a meat product or adjust acidity in a drink. Those uses should not be collapsed into one catch-all explanation, and a food’s overall quality cannot be inferred from the code alone.
The ingredients list normally identifies presence, not quantity. It also cannot separate all phosphorus naturally present in food from phosphorus supplied by additives. Individual detail pages explain the relevant evidence; personal clinical advice belongs with an appropriate health professional.
8 entries, linked to the full evidence page
What it is: A sharp, sour mineral acid made from phosphate rock. It makes drinks and foods more acidic.
What it does: Gives cola and other drinks their sour bite. It also slows bacteria and mould, and balances sugar.
Where you may see it: Cola is by far the biggest source. Also some other fizzy drinks, processed cheese, jams and canned vegetables. Listed as E338.
Read evidence and sourcesWhat it is: Three salts made from phosphoric acid and sodium. They are used to add phosphorus to processed food.
What it does: Binds water into processed meat, stops melted cheese splitting, and makes some baked goods rise.
Where you may see it: Sliced ham and cooked meats, hot dogs, fish fingers, cheese slices, instant noodles and ready meals. Listed as sodium phosphates or E339.
Read evidence and sourcesWhat it is: A group of potassium salts made from phosphoric acid. They are white powders that dissolve in water.
What it does: Holds acidity steady and keeps fat and water mixed. It holds moisture in meat and helps baked goods rise.
Where you may see it: Processed cheese slices, UHT cream, flavoured milk, instant coffee, cured meat, cake mixes and sports drinks. Listed as potassium phosphate.
Read evidence and sourcesWhat it is: Three salts of calcium and phosphate. On the label they read monocalcium, dicalcium or tricalcium phosphate.
What it does: Depending on the type, it raises cakes and bread, holds acidity steady, or stops powders clumping.
Where you may see it: Baking powder and self-raising flour, cakes and biscuits, cheese spreads. Also protein powders, breakfast cereals and some processed meat.
Read evidence and sourcesWhat it is: Magnesium salts of phosphoric acid. They are made by mixing magnesium oxide or hydroxide with phosphoric acid.
What it does: They steady acidity, stop powders clumping, and bind trace metals that cause rancidity. Some also help baked goods rise.
Where you may see it: Supplements, baking powder, salt substitutes, processed cheese, dried milk, cocoa and some cereals. Label: E343.
Read evidence and sourcesWhat it is: Phosphate mineral salts. E450 covers several sodium, potassium and calcium forms.
What it does: Holds water in meat so it stays moist and keeps its weight. It melts processed cheese and makes baking powder rise.
Where you may see it: Ham, bacon, sausages, nuggets, cheese slices, baking powder, cake mixes and frozen chips. Listed as diphosphates, SAPP or E450.
Read evidence and sourcesWhat it is: Mineral salts of phosphorus. They belong to the wider phosphate family, which turns up right across processed food.
What it does: It binds water onto the protein in meat and fish, so the pack keeps its moisture. It also keeps processed cheese smooth.
Where you may see it: Ham, bacon, reformed chicken, frozen prawns and fish, processed cheese and some bread. Listed as E451, E451(i), E451(ii) or triphosphates.
Read evidence and sourcesWhat it is: Chains of phosphate salts. They add phosphorus on top of what is already in meat, fish and dairy.
What it does: They lock water into meat, seafood and cheese so it stays heavier and juicier. They also slow fats turning rancid.
Where you may see it: Cooked ham, bacon, sausages and chicken, frozen prawns and fish, processed cheese. Listed as polyphosphates or E452.
Read evidence and sourcesThe table summarises fields from NutraSafe’s reviewed additive records. “Check” is deliberate: a code can identify the substance without revealing every feedstock, processing aid or certification decision.
| Code | Additive | Source note | Dietary source check |
|---|---|---|---|
| E338 | Phosphoric acid | Manufactured, typically from phosphate rock. | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: listed as suitable |
| E339 | Sodium phosphates | Mineral salt (synthetic, made from phosphoric acid and a sodium source) | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
| E340 | Potassium phosphates | Mineral salt (synthetic, made from phosphoric acid and a potassium source) | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
| E341 | Calcium phosphates | Mineral salt (synthetic, made from phosphoric acid and a calcium source) | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
| E343 | Magnesium phosphates | Mineral salt (synthetic, made from phosphoric acid and a magnesium source) | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
| E450 | Diphosphates | Synthetic mineral salts | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
| E451 | Triphosphates | Synthetic mineral salts | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
| E452 | Polyphosphates | Synthetic mineral salts | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
Jurisdiction note: Great Britain’s electronic register is the official public list for GB authorisations from 1 April 2025. Northern Ireland and EU positions can differ. Presence in NutraSafe’s reference library is not a claim of unrestricted current authorisation in every jurisdiction or food.
E450 is the diphosphates group, which includes several sodium, potassium and calcium forms.
No. Their printed functions can include acidity regulation, raising, stabilising, emulsifying or moisture retention.
Usually not. It identifies the additive but generally does not state its amount.
The family explanation uses current official UK regulatory and labelling material, relevant FSA or EFSA topic evidence, and specialist dietary guidance where stated. Additive-specific claims remain on the linked detail entries.
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