E341: Tricalcium phosphate

What is E341?

E341iii is tricalcium phosphate, a calcium salt of phosphoric acid and a major component of the mineral in bones and teeth. It is a white, insoluble powder.

Origin and production

Food-grade tricalcium phosphate is usually produced synthetically by reacting purified phosphoric acid with calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate. Historically, calcium phosphates were also obtained from bones, but modern food-grade material is generally mineral-derived.

Why is it used?

Tricalcium phosphate is used as an anti-caking agent in powders such as drink mixes, and as a source of calcium in fortified foods, notably plant-based drinks like oat milk. It is also found in dietary supplements, frozen desserts and snacks.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

Modern E341iii is generally mineral in origin and suitable for vegans and vegetarians; anyone wanting certainty can look for vegan certification, since bone-derived sources exist. It raises no particular halal or kosher concerns when mineral-derived.

Safety and regulation

Tricalcium phosphate is authorised as a food additive in the European Union and was included in EFSA's 2019 re-evaluation of phosphates, which set a group acceptable daily intake for phosphorus from phosphate additives. It is also widely permitted elsewhere.

Common in