E338 Phosphoric Acid

E338Acidity regulatorsOrigin: Mineral

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Every diet

VeganYes

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

The acid has no carbs; the sugar in regular cola does.

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Phosphoric acid (E338) gives cola its sharp bite. It's fine for every diet, but heavy cola drinking is linked to lower bone density in women and to tooth erosion.

60/100

Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE338

Comes fromMineral

What it doesAcidity regulators

Glycemic index—

Daily limit40 mg/kg

Also calledPhosphoric acid, Orthophosphoric acid

Cutting back on cola?

Clean-label swaps

Phosphoric-acid-free

Unsweetened sparkling water variety pack

The fizz without the cola acid or sugar.

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DIY

Home soda maker

Make your own fizzy drinks and flavor them with fruit.

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Cola swap

Prebiotic cola-flavored soda

Check the label; many skip phosphoric acid.

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaNo extra rules

GRAS in the US and approved with limits in the EU and Canada. EFSA re-checked all phosphates in 2019 and set a group limit of 40 mg of phosphorus per kg of body weight, noting some people exceed it.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

2.8 gper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 40 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 800 mg a day.

What is it?

Phosphoric acid is a mineral acid made from phosphate rock. It's more sour than citric acid and doesn't taste fruity, which suits cola flavor.

Where it comes from: Made from mined phosphate rock, either by treating it with sulfuric acid or by burning purified phosphorus, then cleaned to food grade.

Why it’s in food

Gives cola its tangy bite
Slows mold and bacteria growth in sugary drinks
Adjusts acidity in cheese and processed foods

Often found in

ColaRoot beer and other dark sodasProcessed cheeseJamsBottled iced tea

Also listed as: Phosphoric acid, Orthophosphoric acid, Food-grade phosphoric acid

Health & gut impact

Bone healthUnder study

Women who drank cola daily had lower hip bone density than those who didn't. Other sodas showed no link, pointing to cola's phosphoric acid or caffeine.

Tucker et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006)

Phosphate intakeConcern

EFSA found that high consumers, especially children, may exceed the safe phosphate level when all sources are added up.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2019)

TeethConcern

Like any acid, frequent sipping can wear tooth enamel.

British Dental Journal (2010)

What can I use instead?

Citric acid

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Homemade sodas and syrups

Lime or lemon juice

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Sparkling water and mocktails

More acidity regulators:

Citric Acid E330Citric acid (E330) is the sour acid of lemons, made by fermentation. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly.Generally safe Sodium Citrate E331Sodium citrate (E331) is a salt of citric acid that makes cheese melt silky-smooth. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Phosphoric Acid safe?

Use in moderation (60/100). GRAS in the US and approved with limits in the EU and Canada. EFSA re-checked all phosphates in 2019 and set a group limit of 40 mg of phosphorus per kg of body weight, noting some people exceed it.

Is Phosphoric Acid vegan?

Yes.

Is Phosphoric Acid gluten-free?