E340: Potassium phosphates

What is E340?

Potassium phosphates are salts formed from phosphoric acid and potassium. E340 covers three forms, monopotassium, dipotassium and tripotassium phosphate, which differ in how acidic or alkaline they are.

Origin and production

They are manufactured by neutralising purified phosphoric acid, obtained from mined phosphate rock, with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate.

Why is it used?

Potassium phosphates act as buffers and stabilisers. In coffee creamers and plant-based drinks such as oat drinks, they stop proteins from curdling when added to hot or acidic coffee; they also regulate acidity in powdered beverages, soft drinks and cereal products, and help retain moisture.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

Potassium phosphates are made from mineral raw materials and are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. They are not normally a concern for halal or kosher diets.

Safety and regulation

Potassium phosphates are authorised in the EU and were covered by EFSA's re-evaluation of phosphate additives, which established a group acceptable daily intake for phosphorus. EFSA identified a risk of exceeding that acceptable daily intake for some population groups.

Common in