Comparing E339 - Sodium phosphates vs E524 - Sodium hydroxide

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Overview

E339 - Sodium phosphates

Sodium phosphates (E339) are a group of sodium salts of phosphoric acid used to control acidity, hold moisture, and keep mixtures smooth. In foods, they help cheeses melt evenly, baked goods rise properly, and meat stay juicy. They appear on labels as monosodium, disodium, or trisodium phosphate.

E524 - Sodium hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide (E524), also called lye or caustic soda, is a strong alkali used in small, controlled amounts in food processing. It helps adjust acidity (pH), loosens peels on fruits and vegetables, and creates the classic deep-brown crust on pretzels.

Synonyms

E339

Sodium phosphates

sodium phosphate

E524

Sodium hydroxide

Caustic soda

Functions

acidity regulator emulsifying salt sequestrant stabilizer

acidity regulator

Origins

Synthetic

Mineral

Synthetic

Products

Found in 1,968 products

Found in 393 products

Search rank & volume

#330450 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#5258K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.04

under-aware

×21.32

over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 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

How are sodium phosphates made?
They’re produced by neutralizing food‑grade phosphoric acid with sodium hydroxide, carbonate, or bicarbonate to the desired ratio to yield mono-, di-, or trisodium phosphate, then crystallizing (often as hydrates); condensed polyphosphates are made by dehydrating/condensing orthophosphates at elevated temperatures.
How do saline enema sodium phosphates work?
They act as hyperosmotic salts that draw water into the colon, increasing volume and stimulating peristalsis to trigger a bowel movement; improper use can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances, so they should be used only as directed.
How does sodium aluminate react with phosphates?
In water, sodium aluminate hydrolyzes to Al(OH)3, which binds phosphate and precipitates it as insoluble aluminum phosphate (AlPO4), especially near neutral pH—this is the basis for phosphate removal in water treatment.
How many meq of sodium does sodium phosphates have?
It depends on the specific salt and hydration: anhydrous NaH2PO4 ≈8.3 mEq Na per gram, Na2HPO4 ≈14.1 mEq/g, and Na3PO4 ≈18.3 mEq/g (hydrates contain less per gram); a typical adult sodium phosphate enema contains about 190 mEq of sodium.
How many sodium phosphates are there?
There are three main orthophosphate salts used in foods—monosodium, disodium, and trisodium phosphate—listed as E339(i–iii), plus various hydrates and condensed (polyphosphate) forms.