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E340 Potassium phosphates (Dipotassium phosphate)

E340Acidity regulatorsOrigin: Mineral
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The short answer
Potassium phosphates (E340) keep coffee creamer from curdling and stabilize processed foods. They are allowed, they count toward EFSA's group cap on added phosphorus, and they also add potassium.
Use in moderation

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

E-numberE340
Comes fromMineral
What it doesAcidity regulators
Glycemic index—
Daily limit40 mg/kg
Also calledPotassium phosphates, Dipotassium phosphate

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Potassium phosphates are allowed in the US, the EU (E340) and Canada. In 2019 EFSA set one group acceptable daily intake for added phosphates of 40 mg of phosphorus per kilogram of body weight, shared by every phosphate additive, and said some children and heavy consumers of processed food can pass it. The potassium salts count toward that same group. People with kidney disease often have to limit both phosphorus and potassium.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

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?

Dipotassium phosphate is a white powder that buffers acidity. In a creamer it protects milk proteins from the acid and the heat of coffee.

Where it comes from: Potassium phosphates are salts of phosphoric acid with potassium. Dipotassium phosphate is the one coffee creamers list, because it keeps the powder from curdling when it hits hot acidic coffee. Monopotassium and tripotassium phosphate are the more acidic and the more alkaline siblings.

Why it’s in food

  • Stops a creamer from feathering in coffee
  • Buffers processed cheese and meat
  • Holds a drink powder in solution
  • Adds potassium as well as phosphorus

Often found in

Coffee creamersProcessed cheeseDeli meatsDrink powdersInfant formulaCereal

Also listed as: Potassium phosphates, Dipotassium phosphate, Monopotassium phosphate, Tripotassium phosphate

Health & gut impact

The phosphate group capUnder study

EFSA's 2019 group limit is 40 mg of phosphorus per kilogram of body weight a day for added phosphates as a family. Potassium phosphates spend that same budget.

EFSA 2019 re-evaluation of phosphoric acid and phosphates

Two minerals at onceConcern

Unlike the sodium phosphates, these salts bring potassium too. Kidney diets often restrict both.

Clinical guidance on phosphorus and potassium in kidney disease

What can I use instead?

Sodium phosphates

Ratio: You trade potassium for sodium

Best for: A creamer buffer

Potassium citrate

Ratio: It buffers without the phosphate

Best for: An electrolyte drink

Related

More acidity regulators:

Acetic acid E260Acetic acid (E260) is the acid that makes vinegar sour. Diluted in food it is considered safe. The hazard is the concentrated factory form, not a splash of vinegar.Generally safeAmmonium carbonate E503Ammonium carbonate (E503) is a traditional leavening agent that makes thin cookies and crackers crisp. It breaks down into gas in the oven, so little of it stays in the finished food.Generally safeCalcium carbonate E170Calcium carbonate (E170) is ground limestone, the same calcium found in antacids. It adds calcium to plant milks and flour and is very safe.Generally safeCalcium chloride E509Calcium chloride (E509) is a salty calcium salt that firms tofu, cheese curds and pickles. It is considered safe at food doses. Too much tastes bitter, which is why recipes use a little.Generally safe

Common questions

Why is dipotassium phosphate in coffee creamer?

It keeps the proteins from curdling when the powder hits hot, acidic coffee.

Are potassium phosphates banned?

No. They are allowed, inside the group limit EFSA set for added phosphates.

Is Potassium phosphates safe?

Use in moderation (64/100). Potassium phosphates are allowed in the US, the EU (E340) and Canada. In 2019 EFSA set one group acceptable daily intake for added phosphates of 40 mg of phosphorus per kilogram of body weight, shared by every phosphate additive, and said some children and heavy consumers of processed food can pass it. The potassium salts count toward that same group. People with kidney disease often have to limit both phosphorus and potassium.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E340
  • EFSA 2019 re-evaluation of phosphoric acid and phosphates
  • Clinical guidance on phosphorus and potassium in kidney disease

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