Phosphoric acid and mineral phosphates (E338 to E343): Halal or Haram?

Halal

These acidify, raise dough and bind water. Food-grade phosphate is produced from mined rock. Phosphate made from animal bone exists, but it is a separate additive (E542), and the source-dependent phosphate stabilisers E450 to E452 are covered on their own page.

Phosphate rock, the usual mineral source

E338 Phosphoric acid

The sharp acid that gives cola its bite.

Why it is Halal. This is the free acid rather than a salt, which is why it, and not the others, is what sharpens cola.

Where you meet it. Cola, processed cheese, baking powder.

E339 Sodium phosphates

Phosphate salts that regulate acidity and bind water.

Why it is Halal. Produced from mineral phosphate rock and a sodium salt.

Where you meet it. Processed cheese, powdered drinks, baked goods.

E340 Potassium phosphates

The potassium versions of the same salts.

Why it is Halal. Mineral phosphate with potassium.

Where you meet it. Coffee whiteners, sports drinks, processed cheese.

E341 Calcium phosphates

Phosphates that raise dough and add calcium.

Why it is Halal. Mined mineral phosphate with calcium.

Where you meet it. Baking powder, plant drinks, cereals, supplements.

E343 Magnesium phosphates

Phosphates that also keep powders free-flowing.

Why it is Halal. Mineral throughout.

Where you meet it. Powdered mixes, supplements, processed cheese.

What to do in the shop

Nothing special to do for E338 itself. Read the rest of the list: a product is only as clear as its least clear ingredient.

A status here describes the additive in general, and a specific product can be different. The same number can be made from plant or animal material depending on the manufacturer, and the label does not say which.

Questions people ask

Is E338 Halal?

E338 (Phosphoric acid): Halal. This is the free acid rather than a salt, which is why it, and not the others, is what sharpens cola.

Is E339 Halal?

E339 (Sodium phosphates): Halal. Produced from mineral phosphate rock and a sodium salt.

Is E340 Halal?

E340 (Potassium phosphates): Halal. Mineral phosphate with potassium.

Is E341 Halal?

E341 (Calcium phosphates): Halal. Mined mineral phosphate with calcium.

Products we checked that contain phosphoric acid and mineral phosphates (E338 to E343)

Related additives

See all E-numbers →

Products we asked the manufacturer about →

Check a product, not just a number

An additive's status describes the additive in general. What matters is the whole ingredient list on the packet in your hand.

This is information, not a fatwa. These statuses combine published scholarly positions with ingredient analysis, and they can be incomplete or out of date. For anything that matters, confirm with the manufacturer and with a qualified authority.