E340 is an essential ingredient for human beings! You must see E340 in a lot of packing of food, snacks, and even some pills. And do you know what that is? By reading this article, let’s find out together.
E340 stands for:
E340 (i) MKP-Monopotassium phosphate,
E340 (ii) DKP-Dipotassium phosphate,
E340 (iii) TKP-Tripotassium phosphate.
They’re white crystalline powder that is Freely soluble in water and commonly used as an acidity regulator, emulsifier, and stabilizer in various food products.
For more specifications, check the following details:
| Items | E-code | Chemical formula | Molecular weight | PH of a 1% solution |
| Monopotassium Phosphate (MKP) | E340 (i) | KH2PO4 | 136.09 g/mol | 4.5-5.5 |
| Dipotassium Phosphate (DKP) | E340 (ii) | K2HPO4 | 174.18 g/mol | 8.3-8.7 |
| Tripotassium Phosphate (TKP) | E340 (iii) | K3PO4 | 212.27 g/mol | 11.0-12.0 |
Browsing them, still cannot distinguish them clearly. So what’s their difference?
The main difference between Monopotassium phosphate E340(i), Dipotassium phosphate E340 (ii), and Tripotassium phosphate E340 (iii)) is the number of potassium ions (K+) bonded to the phosphate group?
Monopotassium phosphate (E340 (i)) contains one K+ ion, while Dipotassium phosphate (E340 (ii)) contains two K+ ions, and Tripotassium phosphate (E340 (iii)) contains three K+ ions.
Monopotassium phosphate (E340 (i)), Dipotassium phosphate (E340 (ii)), and Tripotassium phosphate (E340 (iii)) are all potassium salts of phosphoric acid, but they differ in their chemical structure and properties.
E340 (i) contains one potassium ion, one phosphate ion, and three hydrogen ions. It is used primarily as a fertilizer and a source of phosphorus for plants. While it is not commonly used as a food additive, it can be found in some sports drinks and other beverages as an electrolyte.
E340 (ii) contains two potassium ions, one phosphate ion, and no hydrogen ions. It is primarily used as a pH control agent and emulsifier in foods. E340 (ii) helps to regulate the acidity or alkalinity of foods while also stabilizing mixtures of ingredients that would normally separate.
E340 (iii) contains three potassium ions, one phosphate ion, and no hydrogen ions. Like E340 (ii), it is primarily used as a pH control agent and emulsifier in foods. However, E340 (iii) is often used in dairy products like cheese and creamers to stabilize their texture and prevent separation.
Functions
E340 (i) (Monopotassium phosphate) is primarily used as an acidity regulator in food products such as dairy products, baked goods, beverages, and processed meats. It can also be used as a nutrient supplement in sports drinks and baby formulas.
| E340(i) Application | E340(i) Functions |
| Processed meats | PH regulator or preservative. |
| Bakery Industry | As a dough conditioner and to help regulate the pH levels of the dough. |
| Cheese | Buffering agent to regulate acidity and improve texture. |
| Powdered drink mixes | As a source of potassium to replace electrolytes lost during exercise. |
| Emulsified sauces and dressings | An emulsifier. To create a smooth, consistent texture. |
| Canned fruits and vegetables | To help them retain their shape, color, and texture. |
| Nutritional supplements | A source of both phosphorus and potassium. |
E340 (ii) (Dipotassium phosphate) is also used as an acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, and emulsifier in a range of food products, including processed meats, dairy products, and baked goods. It is also added to some powders and instant beverages to improve their solubility.
| E340 (ii) Application | E340 (ii) Functions |
| Dairy products | To help regulate acidity levels |
| Bakery | As an emulsifier to create a consistent texture. |
| Processed meats | As a pH regulator or preservative. |
| Nutritional supplements | Added nutritional supplements as a source of potassium. |
| Sports drinks | As a source of potassium and phosphate to help replace electrolytes lost during exercise. |
| Canned fruits and vegetables | To help them retain their shape, color, and texture. |
| Breakfast cereals | As a nutrient supplement. |
E340 (iii) (Tripotassium phosphate) is often used as a sequestrant, emulsifier, and stabilizer in food processing. It can be found in certain dairy products, processed meats, and breakfast cereals. In addition to its use in food, Tripotassium phosphate is used in the production of detergents, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals.
| E340 (iii) Application | E340 (iii) Functions |
| Processed meats | To help improve texture and prevent spoilage. |
| Cheese | To prevent clumping and improve the melting properties of the cheese. |
| Bakery | To help improve their texture and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly. |
| Beverages | As an electrolyte source. |
| Industrial applications | As a cleaning agent and degreaser. |
In summary, E340 (i), E340 (ii), and E340 (iii) are food additives commonly used in the food industry for their unique properties, such as acidity regulation, emulsification, and thickening. As with any food ingredient, moderation is key when considering the use of these food additives in your diet. If you are an importer looking for a reliable supplier of E340i, ii, iii, be sure to choose a reputable company with a proven track record of quality and reliability. Contact Us [email protected]
