My diet:

E341 Calcium Phosphates (Tricalcium Phosphate)

E341Anti-caking agentsOrigin: Mineral
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Every diet

VeganYes

Made from mined minerals. Bone phosphate is a separate additive (E542).

Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Calcium phosphates (E341) keep powders flowing, make baking powder rise and add calcium to plant milks. They're safe for most people, but phosphate additives add up, which matters for anyone with kidney disease.
Use in moderation

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

E-numberE341
Comes fromMineral
What it doesAnti-caking agents
Glycemic index—
Daily limit40 mg/kg
Also calledCalcium phosphate, Tricalcium phosphate

Rules by country

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

GRAS in the US. Approved in the EU and Canada with limits. In 2019 EFSA set a group limit for all phosphate additives of 40 mg of phosphorus per kg of body weight a day.

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?

Calcium phosphates are mineral salts of calcium and phosphorus, the same two minerals that make up bones and teeth. There are three forms: mono-, di- and tricalcium phosphate.

Where it comes from: Made by reacting purified phosphoric acid from mined phosphate rock with lime (calcium hydroxide).

Why it’s in food

  • Keeps salt, spices and powdered drinks from clumping
  • Acts as the acid in baking powder (monocalcium phosphate)
  • Adds calcium to plant milks and juices

Often found in

Baking powderCalcium-fortified plant milksFortified orange juicePowdered drink mixesBreakfast cereals

Also listed as: Calcium phosphate, Tricalcium phosphate, Monocalcium phosphate, Dicalcium phosphate, E341(i), E341(ii), E341(iii)

Health & gut impact

Kidney diseaseConcern

Phosphate from additives is absorbed more easily than phosphate in whole foods. High intakes are a concern for people with kidney disease.

Ritz et al., Dtsch Arztebl Int (2012)

Calcium sourceBenefit

Tricalcium phosphate is a common way to give plant milks as much calcium as dairy milk.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2019)

What can I use instead?

Baking soda + cream of tartar

Ratio: 1/4 tsp soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar ≈ 1 tsp baking powder

Best for: Phosphate-free baking

Uncooked rice grains

Ratio: A few grains per shaker

Best for: Keeping salt dry at home

Related

More anti-caking agents:

Silicon Dioxide E551Silicon dioxide (E551) is a purified form of silica that keeps powders and spices from clumping. It's considered safe in food and passes through the body, though EFSA wants more data on its smallest particles.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Calcium Phosphates safe?

Use in moderation (76/100). GRAS in the US. Approved in the EU and Canada with limits. In 2019 EFSA set a group limit for all phosphate additives of 40 mg of phosphorus per kg of body weight a day.

Is Calcium Phosphates vegan?

Yes. Made from mined minerals. Bone phosphate is a separate additive (E542).

Is Calcium Phosphates gluten-free?

Yes.

Is tricalcium phosphate bad for you?

Not for most people. It's a source of calcium and phosphorus at small amounts, but people with kidney disease are often told to limit phosphate additives.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 182.1217 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E341
  • Ritz et al., Dtsch Arztebl Int (2012)
  • EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2019)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 341 · CAS 7758-87-4