Comparing E338 - Phosphoric acid vs E507 - Hydrochloric acid
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 4,566 products
Found in 15 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is phosphoric acid bad for you?
At permitted food levels it’s considered safe (GRAS in the U.S.; EFSA sets a group ADI for phosphates of 40 mg/kg bw/day as phosphorus). Overconsumption—especially via acidic soft drinks—can contribute to dental enamel erosion, and high phosphate intakes may be a concern for people with kidney disease.
Is phosphoric acid a strong acid?
No—it's a weak, triprotic acid (pKa ≈ 2.15, 7.2, 12.3), though concentrated solutions are corrosive.
What is phosphoric acid used for?
In foods it’s used as an acidulant to add tartness and control pH (e.g., in colas) and as a sequestrant/antioxidant to stabilize color and flavor.
What does phosphoric acid do to the body?
It dissociates into phosphate ions, which are essential for bones and energy metabolism, while the acid load is buffered and excreted. High intakes from acidic drinks can erode tooth enamel, and excess phosphate may be problematic in kidney disease or with low calcium intake.
What is the formula for phosphoric acid?
H3PO4.
Is hydrochloric acid a strong acid?
Yes—hydrochloric acid (E507) is a strong mineral acid that dissociates almost completely in water; in foods it’s used only in dilute amounts.
What is hydrochloric acid used for?
In foods, E507 is used to acidify and control pH, and as a processing aid in sugar/starch hydrolysis and gelatin production.
What does hydrochloric acid do?
It lowers pH to adjust acidity for flavor, texture, and microbial control, and can catalyze hydrolysis reactions during processing. Any residual acid is typically neutralized or highly diluted in the final product.
Is hydrochloric acid dangerous?
Concentrated hydrochloric acid is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns and harmful fumes. In foods, food‑grade HCl used at good manufacturing practice levels is considered safe (GRAS in the U.S.; permitted as E507 in the EU).
Is hydrochloric acid flammable?
No—hydrochloric acid is non‑flammable, though it can react with some metals to release flammable hydrogen gas and emits corrosive fumes.