Sodium tripolyphosphate
Learn what Sodium tripolyphosphate (E451) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Sodium tripolyphosphate?
Food additives that act as leavening agents, emulsifiers, and stabilizers. They are sodium or potassium salts of phosphoric acid. They come in the following forms: E 451(i) - Sodium tripolyphosphate or E 451(ii) - Potassium tripolyphosphate. They are used in syrups, glazes, and toppings, in special dietary preparations, and in edible films.
Why is Sodium tripolyphosphate added to food?
Sodium tripolyphosphate (E451) is a leavening agent commonly found in: Syrups, glazes and toppings, edible films.
Permitted quantity: The daily allowable intake of phosphorus for human consumption is up to 70 mg/kg body weight.
Is Sodium tripolyphosphate banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Sodium tripolyphosphate okay for kids?
Not permitted in foods intended for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Sodium tripolyphosphate
- Syrups
- glazes and toppings
- edible films
See the full list of foods that contain Sodium tripolyphosphate →
How to spot Sodium tripolyphosphate on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E451
- Sodium tripolyphosphate
Common misspellings to watch for:
- sodium trlpolyphosphate
- sodium tripolyphosphate
- sodium tripolyphosphdte
- sodium tridolyphosphate
- $odium tripolyphosphate
- sodium tripolydhosphate
- sodium tripolyphosdhate
- sodium tripolypho$phate
- sodlum tripolyphosphate
Better alternatives
• Can cause gastrointestinal irritation, such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, if consumed in excess. • People with renal failure or pre-existing kidney problems should avoid using it, as it can contribute to phosphorus accumulation in the body. • Not recommended for people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular conditions, as it can increase sodium levels in the blood. • Can interfere with calcium and magnesium metabolism, leading to deficiencies of essential minerals.
Also known as
- sodium trlpolyphosphate
- sodium tripolyphosphate
- sodium tripolyphosphdte
- sodium tridolyphosphate
- $odium tripolyphosphate
- sodium tripolydhosphate
- sodium tripolyphosdhate
- sodium tripolypho$phate
- sodlum tripolyphosphate
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Sodium tripolyphosphate? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E451 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Sodium tripolyphosphate
- Is Sodium tripolyphosphate safe to eat?
- Sodium tripolyphosphate has a harm level of 1 out of 3. Low concern.
- Is Sodium tripolyphosphate banned anywhere?
- Sodium tripolyphosphate is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Sodium tripolyphosphate safe for children?
- Not permitted in foods intended for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Sodium tripolyphosphate on a food label?
- Look for E451, Sodium tripolyphosphate in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: sodium trlpolyphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphdte.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.