Processed
Tricalcium Phosphate
Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is a calcium phosphate salt used as an anti-caking agent in powdered foods and as a dietary calcium source in some fortified mixes. The food-grade powder is white, nearly tasteless, and keeps grated cheese powders, spice blends, and non-dairy creamers from packing into lumps. Unlike pure silica flow aids, TCP also contributes calcium and a faint mineral character if overdosed. It is sparingly soluble and works by coating particles and buffering surface moisture. In kitchen-scale cooking it rarely appears as a labelled jar ingredient, but it is common on industrial dry-mix specs. Store dry; performance falls if the powder itself cakes.
Also known as: E341(iii), Tricalcium phosphate (E341iii), Tricalcium phosphate, Calcium phosphate tribasic, Rinsan sansuisho karushiumu
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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 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 0 mg
- Salt 0 g
- Total Carbohydrate 0 g
- Dietary Fibre 0 g
- Total Sugars 0 g
- Complex / starch 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Water 0.3 g
- Water 0.3 g
- Minerals 58730 mg
- Major Minerals 58730 mg
- Calcium 38760 mg
- Phosphorus 19970 mg
Minerals
Tricalcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2) is an inorganic anti-caking and calcium-phosphate fortificant. It supplies calcium (~38760 mg) and phosphorus (~19970 mg) per 100 g and no calories, sugars, or vitamins.
In the kitchen
Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Tricalcium Phosphate.
Usually avoid with
Often clash in flavour or tradition
History
Bone-ash and mineral phosphates supplied early calcium phosphate for industry and agriculture.
Refined tricalcium phosphate entered food powders as an anti-caking and calcium fortificant.
Instant coffee whitener and cheese powder formulas relied on TCP for free flow.
Fortified plant milks and dry nutrition mixes continued TCP use for calcium and flow.