Comparing E451 - Triphosphates vs E338 - Phosphoric acid

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Overview

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.

E338 - Phosphoric acid

Phosphoric acid (E338) is a clear, tart-tasting acid used to control acidity and sharpen flavor in many foods and drinks. It also binds trace metals, which helps stop off-flavors and color changes. You’ll most often see it on the label of colas and other soft drinks.

Synonyms

E451

Triphosphates

triphosphate

E 451

e-451

E338

Phosphoric acid

Orthophosphoric acid

phosphoricV acid

Functions

emulsifying salt sequestrant stabilizer

acidity regulator sequestrant

Origins

Products

Found in 169 products

Found in 4,566 products

Search rank & volume

#2841.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#6246.5K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.91

normal

×1.49

over-aware

Search volume over time

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

Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

What is adenosine triphosphate?
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a biological energy-carrying molecule and not the food additive E451; E451 refers to inorganic triphosphates (e.g., sodium tripolyphosphate) used in foods as sequestrants and stabilisers.
What is sodium triphosphate?
Sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate, STPP; Na5P3O10) is the E451 additive—an inorganic triphosphate used to bind metal ions, retain moisture, and improve texture in foods.
Which of the following statements about inositol triphosphate is false?
It’s false to claim that inositol triphosphate is E451 or used as a food additive; E451 is inorganic tripolyphosphate salts (e.g., STPP), not the cellular messenger IP3.
What are nucleoside triphosphates?
Nucleoside triphosphates (e.g., ATP, GTP) are biological building blocks of nucleic acids and energy carriers, not the E451 additive; E451 comprises inorganic triphosphate salts used as sequestrants and stabilisers in foods.