Ingredient · E338

Contains Less Than 1% Phosphoric Acid

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Phosphoric acid is used as an acidity regulator and flavor enhancer in many foods …

What it is

Phosphoric acid is a mineral acid that occurs naturally in plants and animals. In food, it is typically produced industrially from phosphate rock. It is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid that is stronger than citric acid but weaker than sulfuric acid.

Why it's used

Phosphoric acid is used as an acidity regulator and flavor enhancer in many foods and beverages, especially colas and other soft drinks. It can also act as a preservative by lowering the pH of foods. It is found in salad dressings, deli salads, and processed meats.

Health notes

In the U.S., phosphoric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used for its intended purpose. Some studies suggest that high intake of phosphoric acid, particularly from sodas, may be linked to lower bone density, but evidence is mixed and more research is needed. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated phosphoric acid and established an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated it.

Allergen info

Phosphoric acid is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Contains Less Than 1% Phosphoric Acid

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Kingston Marketing Co Ranch Dressing Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 333kcal 0Protein 36.7Fat 3.3Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Clear Value, Creamy Ranch Dressing Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 333kcal 0Protein 36.7Fat 3.3Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Garlic Redskin Mashed Potatoes Other Deli High in sodium — 25% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 107kcal 2.1Protein 4.3Fat 15Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Roasted Cauliflower Other Deli High in sodium — 31% DV per serving 131kcal 2.5Protein 10.2Fat 7.1Carbs Byerly Foods International Bring On The Bacon Club Prepared Wraps and Burittos High in sodium — 59% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 29% DV per serving 205kcal 9.7Protein 9.4Fat 19.5Carbs The Federated Group, Inc. Better Valu, Ranch Dressing Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 333kcal 0Protein 36.7Fat 3.3Carbs Delhaize America, Inc. Ranch Dressing Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 333kcal 0Protein 36.7Fat 3.3Carbs Publix Super Markets, Inc. Sriracha Ginger Carrot Hummus Dips & Salsa 214kcal 3.6Protein 16.1Fat 14.3Carbs Italian Rose Company Fresh Cilantro Salsa Dips & Salsa 17kcal 0Protein 0Fat 3.3Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Teriyaki Sesame Beef Bowl Other Deli High in sodium — 37% DV per serving 130kcal 6.5Protein 2.2Fat 20.9Carbs Big Y Foods, Inc. Traditional Canadian Meat Pie, Traditional Canadian Meat Other Deli High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 80% DV per serving 299kcal 6.8Protein 20.9Fat 22.6Carbs Italian Rose Company Chimichurri Gourmet Finishing Sauce, Chimichurri Other Cooking Sauces 333kcal 0Protein 40Fat 6.7Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.