Processed
Phosphoric Acid
Phosphoric acid is a mineral acid used in foods mainly as a strong, clean sour for cola-type soft drinks and as a pH and mineral source in some processed cheeses and bakery mixes. Food-grade material is a clear, viscous aqueous liquid far milder in kitchen exposure than industrial concentrated grades, but still handled as a controlled additive rather than a pantry pour. Its sour is sharp and metallic-clean rather than fruity—the signature bite of classic colas. Phosphates derived from it also buffer, sequester metals, and aid leavening systems. Dose by specification; excess tastes harsh and can affect tooth enamel in frequent high-acid drinks. Not a home substitute for vinegar or lemon in recipes.
Also known as: E338, Phosphoric acid (E338), Phosphoric acid, Orthophosphoric acid, Rin-san
Track this ingredient
Explore further
Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
Nutrition and pairings
Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 0.93 g
- Saturated Fat 0.51 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.21 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.19 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 21.1 mg
- Salt 0.05 g
- Total Carbohydrate 93 g
- Dietary Fibre 0 g
- Total Sugars 90.9 g
- Complex / starch 2.08 g
- Protein 2.09 g
- Water 5.25 g
- Energy 399 kcal
- Water 5.25 g
- Carbohydrates 93 g
- Sugars 90.9 g
- Monosaccharides 63.6 g
- Disaccharides 27.3 g
- Starch 2.08 g
- Amylose 0.52 g
- Amylopectin 1.56 g
- Digestible Starch 1.77 g
- Resistant Starch 0.21 g
- Protein 2.09 g
- Fat 0.93 g
- Saturated Fat 0.51 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.21 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.19 g
- Vitamins 25 mg
- Vitamin A 20 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.01 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.02 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B5 — Pantothenic Acid 0.05 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.02 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 0.2 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 2 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin E 0.1 mg
- Vitamin K 0.5 µg
- Minerals 302 mg
- Major Minerals 295 mg
- Trace Minerals 6.6 mg
- Salt 0.05 g
- Sodium Chloride 0.05 g
Vitamins
vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-a: 20 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.01 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.02 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 0.1 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.05 · vitamin-b6: 0.02 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 0.2 · vitamin-b9-folate: 2 · vitamin-e: 0.1 · vitamin-k: 0.5 ·
Minerals
Sodium: 21.05 · Potassium: 227 · Calcium: 47 · Iron: 1.2 · Zinc: 0.4 · Iodine: 5 ·
Refined processed sweeteners and additives are energy-dense carbohydrate with little else.
History
Early chemistry characterised phosphoric acid from bone ash and mineral phosphates.
Early cola formulas adopted phosphoric acid for sharp, non-citrus sourness.
Food-grade phosphoric acid and phosphate salts scaled with soft-drink industry growth.
Beverage and processed-food regulations tightened purity and labelling for phosphates.