Comparing E339III - Trisodium phosphate vs E500 - Sodium carbonates

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Overview

E339III - Trisodium phosphate

Trisodium phosphate (E339iii) is a sodium salt of phosphoric acid used in small amounts to control acidity, help ingredients blend, and keep foods stable. It appears in products like processed cheese and is also used as an antimicrobial processing aid in meat and poultry plants.

E500 - Sodium carbonates

Sodium carbonates (E500) are a group of salts that include sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and sodium sesquicarbonate. They help dough rise, balance acidity, and keep certain foods stable during processing. Regulators in the EU have set clear specifications for their identity and purity when used in food.

Synonyms

E339iii

Trisodium phosphate

Tribasic sodium phosphate

E500

Sodium carbonates

Functions

acidity regulator emulsifying salt sequestrant stabilizer

acidity regulator raising agent

Origins

Synthetic

Mineral

Products

Found in 1,058 products

Found in 37,570 products

Search rank & volume

#9920K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#2531.7K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×2.76

over-aware

×0.01

under-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

What is trisodium phosphate used for?
It’s a synthetic phosphate salt (E339iii) used in foods as an acidity regulator/buffer, emulsifier, stabilizer, sequestrant, and moisture-binding agent to improve texture, retain moisture, and prevent discoloration.
Why is trisodium phosphate in cereal?
It helps control pH during processing/extrusion and improves texture and crunch, and it can chelate metals to prevent off-colors or clumping.
Is trisodium phosphate bad for you?
At approved food levels it’s considered safe by regulators (e.g., FDA GRAS; EFSA sets a group ADI for phosphates), but people with kidney disease or those limiting phosphorus or sodium should monitor intake.
Is trisodium phosphate poisonous?
Food-grade amounts used in foods are not poisonous; however, concentrated/non‑food forms are caustic and ingesting large amounts can be harmful.
Is trisodium phosphate in cereal bad for you?
The small amounts used in cereal are within regulatory limits and not considered harmful for the general population; the main concern is overall phosphorus and sodium intake. Those with kidney disease or on phosphate‑restricted diets should limit added phosphate sources.