Ingredient

Phosphate

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add phosphates to foods for several reasons, including to help retain moisture, improve …

What it is

Phosphates are mineral compounds that occur naturally in plants, animals, and humans. In food, they are often added as ingredients that are manufactured from phosphate rock. They can be used in various forms, such as sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, or calcium phosphate.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add phosphates to foods for several reasons, including to help retain moisture, improve texture, and enhance flavor. They are commonly found in processed meats, baked goods, dairy products, and beverages.

Health notes

Phosphates are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used in food. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated phosphates, and they have established acceptable daily intakes. While essential for health, very high phosphate intake, particularly from processed foods, has been a subject of research regarding potential health effects, though evidence is mixed and often linked to underlying health conditions.

Allergen info

Phosphates are not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens and do not contain gluten.

Products containing Phosphate

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KIMBERLEY'S BAKESHOPPE Super Fruit & Seed Soft & Chewy Bars Wholesome Snacks 406kcal 9.4Protein 18.8Fat 53.1Carbs 67TH STREET BBQ Sliced Seasoned Beef Brisket With Sauce Other Deli High in sodium — 40% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 214kcal 15.7Protein 9.3Fat 17.9Carbs Morningstar Farms Meal Solutions Hickory BBQ Riblet 10oz Kellogg Company US Morningstar Farms Meal Solutions Hickory BBQ Riblet 10oz Vegetable Based Products / Meals - Not Ready to Eat (Frozen) High in sodium — 27% DV per serving 150kcal 11.4Protein 2.3Fat 24.6Carbs Conagra Brands BANQUET Ham and Cheese Breadstick Prepared/Preserved Foods Variety Packs High in sodium — 28% DV per serving 194kcal 7.5Protein 6.0Fat 26.9Carbs Conagra Brands CHEF BOYARDEE Sealife Forkables, 7.5 OZ Pasta/Noodles High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 98kcal 3.4Protein 2.4Fat 15.1Carbs Conagra Brands BANQUET - Cheeseburger Breadstick, 4.91 OZ Sandwiches/Filled Rolls/Wraps 187kcal 6.5Protein 3.6Fat 32.4Carbs Conagra Brands CHEF BOYARDEE Sports Forkables, 14.75 OZ Pasta/Noodles High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 96kcal 3.2Protein 2.4Fat 15.1Carbs Conagra Brands CHEF BOYARDEE Kickin Sloppy Joe Pasta, 7.25 OZ Pasta/Noodles High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 78kcal 3.9Protein 1.0Fat 13.7Carbs Conagra Brands CHEF BOYARDEE Cheeseburger Maxx Pasta, 7.25 OZ Pasta/Noodles High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 73kcal 3.4Protein 0.7Fat 13.2Carbs CHEF BOYARDEE Microwavable Macaroni And Cheese, 7.5 OZ Conagra Brands CHEF BOYARDEE Microwavable Macaroni And Cheese, 7.5 OZ Pasta/Noodles High in sodium — 30% DV per serving 94kcal 2.8Protein 3.3Fat 12.7Carbs Chef Boyardee Cheesy Burger Macaroni, 15 oz, 15 OZ Conagra Brands Chef Boyardee Cheesy Burger Macaroni, 15 oz, 15 OZ Pasta/Noodles High in sodium — 33% DV per serving 71kcal 3.2Protein 1.6Fat 10.7Carbs Conagra Brands CHEF BOYARDEE Easy Open Spaghetti and Meatballs, 7 OZ Pasta/Noodles High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 101kcal 4.0Protein 4.5Fat 12.1Carbs
Salt (188 products) Water (173 products) Sugar (131 products) Folic Acid (128 products) Niacin (127 products) Riboflavin (125 products) Thiamine Mononitrate (116 products) Wheat Gluten (94 products) Soybean Oil (87 products) Wheat Flour (83 products)

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.