Foods Containing E338 (Phosphoric Acid)
E338 (Phosphoric Acid) is a mineral acid produced from phosphate rock, used as a antioxidant to help stop fats and oils turning rancid and protect food colour and flavour. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E338
E338 is used across oils, margarine, snacks, cured meats, soft drinks and processed foods. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Oils
- Margarine
- Snacks
- Cured meats
- Soft drinks and processed foods
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E338 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E338" or as "Phosphoric Acid".
How to spot E338 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "antioxidants: E338" or "antioxidants: phosphoric acid". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Phosphoric Acid" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E338?
E338 is approved for use in the EU, UK and US at regulated levels, but some concerns or conditions apply. EFSA's 2019 re-evaluation of phosphates found that total phosphate intake exceeds the safe level for some children and teenagers with diets high in processed food. For most people, normal dietary exposure to E338 is not considered harmful.
Full guide to E338: safety, vegan and halal status →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).