Comparing E450V - Tetrapotassium diphosphate vs E451 - Triphosphates

Select first additive

Select second additive

Overview

E450V - Tetrapotassium diphosphate

Tetrapotassium diphosphate (E450v) is a phosphate salt used to keep foods stable, moist, and evenly mixed. It works as a sequestrant (binds metal ions), emulsifier, stabiliser, and pH buffer, especially in meats, cheeses, and powdered foods. It is approved in many countries when used within set limits and is safe for most people.

E451 - Triphosphates

Triphosphates (E451) are salts of condensed phosphates used to keep foods moist, stable, and evenly mixed. They are common in processed meats and seafood, where they help bind water, protect texture, and prevent off-flavors from metal ions. Approval and use levels vary by country, but they are widely permitted for specific uses.

Synonyms

E450v

Tetrapotassium diphosphate

tetrapotassium pyrophosphate

e450v

E451

Triphosphates

triphosphate

E 451

e-451

Functions

emulsifier emulsifying salt sequestrant stabilizer

emulsifying salt sequestrant stabilizer

Origins

Products

Found in 26 products

Found in 169 products

Search rank & volume

#398160 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#2841.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.92

normal

×0.91

normal

Search volume over time

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

Interest over time for 5 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

What is tetrapotassium pyrophosphate used for?
It’s used in foods as a sequestrant, stabilizer, and emulsifying salt to bind minerals, control pH, and improve water-holding and texture (e.g., in processed meats/seafood and processed cheese). It’s also used in toothpaste as an anti-tartar agent.
What are the chemical properties of tetrapotassium pyrophosphate?
It’s an inorganic salt (K4P2O7) with the pyrophosphate anion; a white, water‑soluble powder that forms alkaline solutions (about pH 10) and strongly chelates calcium and magnesium. It buffers pH, disperses proteins, and can hydrolyze to orthophosphate under acidic conditions or enzymatic action.
What are the dangers of tetrapotassium 1 - 10 pyrophosphate?
Within permitted food levels, phosphates including tetrapotassium pyrophosphate are considered safe; excessive phosphate or potassium intake may disrupt mineral balance and is a concern for people with kidney disease or on potassium‑restricted diets. Dust or concentrated solutions can irritate eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract due to alkalinity.
What are the dangers of tetrapotassium pyrophosphate?
At approved food-use levels it’s considered safe (phosphates have a group ADI from EFSA); high intakes of phosphates or potassium can affect calcium balance or pose risks for those with kidney disease or hyperkalemia. As a powder/solution it may cause eye, skin, or respiratory irritation.
What is tetrapotassium pyrophosphate in toothpaste?
It’s a tartar-control agent that chelates calcium to inhibit plaque from hardening into calculus, and it helps keep stains dispersed. It also contributes to pH control in the formulation.