Phosphoric Acid (85%) (E338)

Phosphoric Acid 

Phosphoric acid is a mineral acid derived from phosphate rock, essential for providing sharp acidity and phosphate nutrition in formulations. In the food industry, it delivers clean tartness in beverages, acts as a pH regulator in processed foods, and serves as a precursor for leavening phosphates while contributing phosphorus for fortification.

Food Industry Applications

• Carbonated soft drinks and beverages: Provides sharp, refreshing tartness and pH control in colas and flavored soft drinks, helping stabilize flavor, sweetness balance, and microbial safety.

• Juice drinks and flavored waters: Adjusts acidity and taste profile in juice‑based and non‑juice beverages, supporting consistent sourness and color stability.

• Dairy analogs and processed products: Acts as an acidulant and pH adjuster in certain dairy analog drinks and processed products, contributing to protein stability and texture.

• Bakery and leavening systems: Functions as a source of phosphate in chemical leavening systems (combined with baking soda) for controlled gas release, volume, and crumb structure.

• Processed meats and seafood: Used indirectly via phosphate salts (derived from phosphoric acid) to improve water‑holding capacity, juiciness, and texture in hams, sausages, nuggets, and seafood.

• Sauces, condiments, and canned foods: Regulates pH in ketchups, sauces, marinades, and some canned products, supporting flavor brightness, color retention, and shelf‑life.

Other Industry Applications

In household and industrial cleaners, phosphoric acid acts as a descaler and rust remover in bathroom, kitchen, and metal‑surface cleaners. In metal treatment, it participates in phosphating processes to improve paint adhesion and corrosion resistance. In fertilizers, it is a precursor to phosphate fertilizers used to supply phosphorus for crops. In construction and industrial formulations, it is used in concrete cleaners, pH adjustment, and as a reactant for specialty phosphate chemicals.