Comparing E331 - Sodium citrates vs E339II - Disodium phosphate
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Popular questions
What is e331 in food?
E331 is sodium citrates—the mono-, di-, and trisodium salts of citric acid—used mainly as acidity regulators/buffers, sequestrants, and emulsifying salts in foods like soft drinks and processed cheese.
How are sodium citrates used in molecular gastronomy?
They’re used to adjust and buffer pH, chelate calcium, and act as an emulsifying salt—commonly to make ultra-smooth, meltable cheese sauces and to tune acidity/calcium levels for techniques like spherification and stabilizing foams.
What are sodium citrates degradation byproducts?
Under normal food use they’re stable; with strong heating/combustion they decompose to carbon oxides (CO2/CO) and sodium oxides (and related inorganic residues).
Why does sodium citrates burn?
It isn’t flammable; any “burning” sensation typically comes from irritation of skin, eyes, or mouth at high concentrations due to its mildly alkaline, saline nature, and on heating it decomposes rather than sustaining a flame.
Is disodium phosphate bad for you?
Generally no—E339(ii) is an approved additive used at low levels; however, it contributes sodium and phosphate, so people with kidney disease or on phosphate‑restricted diets should limit it.
What is disodium phosphate in food?
It's the sodium salt Na2HPO4 (E339(ii)) used as an emulsifier, acidity regulator/buffer, stabilizer, sequestrant, humectant, and thickener.
What is disodium phosphate used for?
It emulsifies processed cheese, controls acidity, improves texture and moisture retention in dairy and meat products, and binds metal ions that can affect flavor and color.
Is disodium phosphate safe?
Yes—it's permitted by regulators (e.g., FDA GRAS; EU E339) and considered safe at typical food levels, though very high phosphate intakes are discouraged, especially for people with kidney problems.
What does disodium phosphate do?
It keeps mixtures smooth and stable, maintains pH, binds minerals to protect quality, and can help foods retain moisture and thickness.