What Is Food Grade Phosphoric Acid Used For?

Food grade phosphoric acid (additive code E338) is phosphoric acid purified and controlled to food additive standards. The commercial product is usually an 85% clear, colorless liquid. Its clean, sharp acidity — without the flavor notes of organic acids — makes it a standard ingredient in beverages and food processing. Theone Chemical supplies phosphoric acid 85% in food grade for these applications.

Beverages: The Largest Use

The best-known use is in cola and other soft drinks, where phosphoric acid provides the characteristic tangy bite and helps balance sweetness. It is also used in other carbonated and still beverages, iced teas and drink concentrates, where precise acidity control affects both flavor and microbial stability.

Food Processing Uses

In food manufacturing, food grade phosphoric acid is used to adjust and control pH in products such as processed cheese, jams and jellies, yeast production (as a nutrient and pH adjuster), sugar refining, and edible oil processing. Accurate acidity control influences texture, gel formation, fermentation and shelf life.

Food Grade vs Technical Grade

The base chemical is the same, but the grades are produced and tested differently. Food grade material has strict limits on arsenic, lead, fluoride and other impurities, and is supplied with food additive documentation. Technical grade is intended for water treatment, cleaning and industrial processing, where those food limits do not apply. Our comparison of technical grade vs food grade phosphoric acid explains the differences in detail, and our market note discusses why phosphoric acid prices are rising.

Handling and Supply

Phosphoric acid 85% is typically packed in 35 kg drums, 275 kg drums or 1,600 kg IBC tanks for export. When ordering food grade, always confirm the standard and documentation with your supplier before shipment. Send us your grade, quantity and destination for a quotation.

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Phosphoric Acid 85% FOOD GRADE