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E340 · Emulsifiers, Humectants, Sequestrants, Stabilisers, Thickeners

Potassium phosphates

Moderate risk acidity regulatoremulsifier

High phosphate intake concern.

Category
Emulsifiers, Humectants, Sequestrants, Stabilisers, Thickeners
Acceptable daily intake
40 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
Vegan
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes

What it is

Potassium phosphates (E340) are synthetic mineral salts. They are incredibly effective at preventing proteins from clumping, which is why they are a staple ingredient in non-dairy coffee creamers.

How it is used in food

Used in sports drinks and processed cheese.

Commonly found in
  • Non-dairy coffee creamers (keeps them from curdling in hot coffee)
  • Oat milks and plant-based milks
  • Powdered beverage mixes
  • Processed cheeses

Health and safety

Same cumulative phosphate-load caution as its siblings.

Like E338 and E450, E340 is a source of easily absorbed inorganic phosphate. While potassium itself is a healthy mineral, the accompanying phosphate load is the concern.

Cardiovascular strain and bone loss

high consumers of processed food, kidney patients · evidence: probable

Inorganic phosphates are absorbed at a nearly 100% rate, causing calcium to leach from bones and deposit in blood vessels.

EFSA re-evaluation of phosphates

Contributes to the total phosphate load warned about by EFSA.

Regulatory status

RegionStatusNotes
Australia & New Zealand
FSANZ		 Permitted Permitted.
European Union
EFSA / European Commission		 Permitted Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II).
United States
FDA (Food and Drug Administration)		 Permitted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).

Identification on labels

E-number
E340

Also printed asDipotassium phosphate

How it is made

Produced by reacting phosphoric acid (E338) with potassium hydroxide.

  1. Neutralization — Phosphoric acid is neutralized with potassium hydroxide to form the salt.

Worth knowing

The potassium branch of the phosphate family.

Conclusion

E340 contributes directly to the "hidden salt" burden of modern diets. High phosphate intake throws off the body’s calcium balance, increasing the risk of bone thinning and arterial stiffening over time.

References

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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