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E450 Diphosphates

E450Acidity regulatorsOrigin: Mineral
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The short answer
Diphosphates (E450), including sodium acid pyrophosphate, make baked goods rise and keep frozen fries from turning gray. They're safe in small amounts, but added phosphates are a concern for kidney health.
Use in moderation

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

E-numberE450
Comes fromMineral
What it doesAcidity regulators
Glycemic index—
Daily limit40 mg/kg
Also calledDiphosphates, Sodium acid pyrophosphate

Bake without added phosphates

Clean-label swaps
Clean substitute

Phosphate-free baking powder

Uses cream of tartar or citric acid as the acid.

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Clean grocery swap

Potatoes and an air fryer

Fresh-cut fries need nothing to keep them pale.

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Pantry staple

Cream of tartar

Mix 2 parts with 1 part baking soda for homemade baking powder.

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Rules by country

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

Generally recognized as safe in the US. The EU and Canada allow it in listed foods. In 2019 EFSA set a group daily limit of 40 mg of phosphorus per kg of body weight for all added phosphates and warned that some people exceed it.

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?

Diphosphates are phosphate salts with many jobs. Sodium acid pyrophosphate is the slow acid in baking powder and stops cut potatoes from darkening. Other diphosphates help processed meat hold water.

Where it comes from: Made from mined phosphate rock that is purified into phosphoric acid and combined with sodium.

Why it’s in food

  • Makes cakes and biscuits rise
  • Keeps frozen fries and hash browns from turning gray
  • Helps hot dogs and ham hold water
  • Stops crystals forming in canned seafood

Often found in

Baking powder and cake mixesFrozen fries and hash brownsRefrigerated biscuit doughHot dogs and hamCanned tuna and crabProcessed cheese

Also listed as: Diphosphates, Sodium acid pyrophosphate, SAPP, Disodium pyrophosphate, Disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate, Tetrasodium pyrophosphate, Pyrophosphate

Health & gut impact

Kidney diseaseUnder study

Added phosphates are almost fully absorbed. People with kidney disease are advised to limit them.

National Kidney Foundation

Total phosphate intakeUnder study

EFSA estimated that some children and heavy consumers of processed food go over the safe limit for added phosphates.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2019)

What can I use instead?

Cream of tartar

Ratio: To label

Best for: Phosphate-free baking powder

Lemon juice

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Keeping cut potatoes white

Related

More acidity regulators:

Calcium 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 safeCitric Acid E330Citric acid (E330) is the sour acid of lemons, made by fermentation. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly.Generally safeCream of tartar (Potassium bitartrate) E336Cream of tartar (E336) is a natural acid scraped from wine barrels. Bakers use it to whip stable meringue and to make baking powder. It's safe, vegan and fits every diet we check.Generally safeGlucono-delta-lactone (GDL) E575Glucono-delta-lactone (GDL, E575) is a gentle, slow-acting acid made from glucose. It sets silken tofu and cures salami, and it's considered completely safe.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Diphosphates safe?

Use in moderation (64/100). Generally recognized as safe in the US. The EU and Canada allow it in listed foods. In 2019 EFSA set a group daily limit of 40 mg of phosphorus per kg of body weight for all added phosphates and warned that some people exceed it.

Is Diphosphates vegan?

Yes.

Is Diphosphates gluten-free?

Yes.

Is SAPP the same as sodium phosphate?

They're closely related. SAPP (E450) is a diphosphate, made of two phosphate units joined together; sodium phosphates (E339) have one.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 182.1087 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E450
  • National Kidney Foundation
  • EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2019)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 2, 2026 · INS 450 · CAS 7758-16-9