Food grade MKP E340(i)
- Food-additive identity and destination-market review
- Assay, pH, insolubles and elemental impurities
- Food-contact packing, traceability and applicable documents
- Performance in the actual food or fermentation system
Food grade acidic orthophosphate · E340(i) / INS 340(i)
Food Grade Monopotassium Phosphate (MKP)
Bespring supplies food grade monopotassium phosphate (MKP), also called potassium dihydrogen phosphate, for buffering and selected potassium/phosphate and food-fermentation applications. Confirm the food standard, dry-basis assay, impurity limits, physical form and destination market before ordering.
- CAS number
- 7778-77-0
- Formula
- KH2PO4
- JECFA pH reference
- 4.2–4.7
- Reference MOQ
- 500 kg*
pH 4.2–4.7 is the JECFA 1 in 100 solution reference, not a published commercial guarantee. *Reconfirm current order terms, application and destination.
Reference assayKH2PO4 ≥98.0% on dry basis
Reference packing25 kg bag
Container loadingReference: 23 MT / 20' FCL
Food-grade reviewCOA and applicable certificates on request
Product identity
What is food grade monopotassium phosphate?
Monopotassium phosphate (MKP), also called potassium dihydrogen phosphate or monobasic potassium phosphate, is the acidic potassium orthophosphate KH2PO4. JECFA identifies it as INS 340(i), CAS 7778-77-0, with buffer, neutralizing-agent, sequestrant and yeast-food functions.
JECFA describes it as freely soluble in water with a pH of 4.2–4.7 for a 1% solution. Its chemical formula contains no sodium. The offered grade’s sodium or other impurities require separate confirmation; any nutrition declaration must use supported composition data and the complete finished-food formula.
Identity, water solubility and functions: JECFA potassium dihydrogen phosphate specification. The formula here is KH₂PO₄ without water of crystallization; MKP is distinct from dipotassium phosphate and from a liquid solution with a specified concentration.
Food-grade qualification
Food grade MKP is not fertilizer MKP 0-52-34
The same chemical name and CAS appear in food and agricultural markets, but intended use, guaranteed analysis, impurity controls, manufacturing/packing scope and documentation are not interchangeable.
Fertilizer MKP 0-52-34
- N-P-K guaranteed analysis and crop application
- Water-soluble fertilizer and fertigation requirements
- Agricultural registration and contaminant rules
- Not qualified for food merely because the formula is KH2PO4
Receiving control: require the label, lot number, signed specification and COA to identify the food-grade supply. Do not approve material using an agricultural NPK certificate.
Application-specific screening
Where food grade MKP is evaluated
The following are formulation screening areas. Confirm the permitted food category and use conditions, then validate the offered grade under the actual mixing, processing and storage conditions. No fixed addition rate or performance improvement is specified.
Beverage and electrolyte dry mixes
Evaluate MKP when a soluble potassium/phosphate input and acidic buffer profile are required. Check reconstitution pH, mineral taste, clarity, sediment, compatibility with calcium/magnesium and declared nutrition.
Food fermentation and cultures
Use as a candidate phosphate/potassium source and buffer only after defining organism, medium composition and target pH. Track growth, acidification, yield, by-products and downstream purification.
Nutrition powders and premixes
Calculate potassium and phosphorus from certified composition, then test particle-size compatibility, blend segregation, dissolution, caking, sensory impact and label limits.
Acidic phosphate buffer systems
MKP and DKP provide different phosphate species and potassium-to-phosphate ratios. A blend can be evaluated for a target buffer system; determine concentration and ratio from the complete formula and verify pH under the actual temperature and ionic conditions.
Commercial data with method boundaries
Food grade MKP reference specification
These commercial reference limits reproduce Bespring’s MKP product sheet, including the original loss-test label. They are not measured batch COA results or a guarantee of full JECFA conformity. Agree the current signed specification, sample basis and methods, then compare the shipment COA against that agreement.
On small screens, swipe the table to read all qualification notes.
| Test item | Unit | Commercial reference | Qualification note |
|---|---|---|---|
| KH2PO4 assay, dry basis | % | ≥98.0 | JECFA minimum is 98.0% after drying. Confirm the commercial drying conditions and assay method; nominally matching limits do not establish full conformity. |
| Fluoride (F) | mg/kg | ≤10 | JECFA maximum is 10 mg/kg as F. Confirm the analytical method and actual lot result. |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | mg/kg | ≤10 | Aggregate “as Pb” field, not a separate lead test or proof of all-element compliance. |
| “Loss on ignition” | % | ≤0.5 | Source label retained. Temperature, duration and sample basis are not stated; do not equate ignition loss with drying loss. |
| Water-insoluble matter | % | ≤0.1 | Commercial limit is tighter than JECFA’s 0.2%. Confirm water-insoluble-matter method and sample basis. |
| Arsenic (As) | mg/kg | ≤3 | JECFA maximum is 3 mg/kg as As; confirm element-specific method and batch result. |
| Cadmium (Cd) | mg/kg | ≤1 | Commercial parameter; confirm destination requirements and method. |
| Mercury (Hg) | mg/kg | ≤1 | Commercial parameter; confirm destination requirements and method. |
| Lead (Pb) | mg/kg | ≤5 | The reference limit is higher than JECFA’s 4 mg/kg and cannot guarantee that requirement. |
Confirm lead control and loss-test methods: the commercial lead limit permits up to 5 mg/kg, while the cited JECFA monograph allows at most 4 mg/kg. A batch may test lower, but this reference limit cannot guarantee that requirement. Request an aligned signed specification and batch COA. JECFA uses loss on drying at 105°C for 4 h; the commercial “loss on ignition ≤0.5%” cannot establish that result without its method.
JECFA reference
INS 340(i); assay ≥98% after drying; pH 4.2–4.7 (1%); loss on drying ≤2% at 105°C for 4 h; insolubles ≤0.2%; F ≤10, As ≤3 and Pb ≤4 mg/kg.
Review the JECFA MKP monographDocuments and additional acceptance fields
Request the current specification/TDS, SDS, representative COA and actual batch COA. Define any required pH test, appearance/identity tests, particle distribution, dissolution/clarity and sodium/chloride/sulfate controls. Confirm shelf life and the availability, product/site scope and validity of requested certificates.
For mass-based reporting, 1 ppm equals 1 mg/kg and 0.001% equals 10 mg/kg. The FDA food-substance inventory identifies MKP and technical effects including pH control, nutrient supplementation and fermenting aid. An inventory listing is not approval of a Bespring grade or permission for every food. Verify the intended market’s specific use and labeling conditions.
Choose the phosphate species
MKP vs. DKP and phosphoric acid
Selection begins with target pH and ion contribution, not with the shared word “potassium.” Equal-weight substitution changes potassium, phosphorus and acid/base balance.
MKP · KH2PO4
Acidic potassium orthophosphate
Use as a candidate where acidic phosphate buffering and potassium/phosphorus input are required. JECFA 1% pH: 4.2–4.7.
DKP · K2HPO4
More alkaline potassium orthophosphate
Compare when a higher pH response or different potassium-to-phosphate ratio is required. A controlled MKP/DKP ratio can be evaluated as a buffer pair.
Phosphoric acid · H3PO4
Acidulant without potassium input
Compare when acidification is the primary goal and added potassium is not desired. Handling, concentration and corrosion controls differ.
Theoretical composition for preliminary calculationsPure anhydrous KH2PO4 contains approximately 28.7% potassium and 22.8% phosphorus by mass. These approximate formula calculations are not batch assay results. Elemental K/P and K₂O/P₂O₅ equivalents are different reporting bases; request the specified analytical basis and supported batch data for formulation and labeling.
Application approval
How to qualify food grade MKP
Connect the exact food-grade source to solution behavior, mineral balance, process response and destination-market rules.
- 1
Fix the target
State the food or fermentation process, target pH, potassium/phosphorus contribution, total phosphate and mandatory label or impurity limits.
- 2
Verify the grade
Match identity, food standard, impurity limits, methods and traceability to the current signed specification/TDS, SDS and representative COA; verify each delivered lot with its batch COA. Review certificates for the exact offered product/site and validity period.
- 3
Test solution behavior
Record water chemistry, temperature, concentration, ingredient order, dissolution time, clarity, sediment and measured pH.
- 4
Validate the end use
For beverages or powders assess taste, clarity and stability; for cultures assess growth, acidification, yield and downstream effects under matched conditions.
Storage and handling
Keep MKP cool, dry and sealed
- TemperatureThe supplied guidance states storage at no more than 30°C.
- EnvironmentProtect sealed bags from direct sunlight, high temperature, humidity and contamination in a ventilated area.
- Shelf life and workplace controlsConfirm the offered grade’s shelf life and stock-rotation instructions; no product-specific shelf life is established by this page. Follow the current SDS and site procedures for dust handling and personal protection.
Appearance and warehouse references
MKP sample and handling images
Buyer questions
Food grade MKP FAQ
Is MKP the same as potassium dihydrogen phosphate?
Yes. Monopotassium phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate and monobasic potassium phosphate identify KH₂PO₄, CAS 7778-77-0, INS 340(i) / E340(i), with formula weight 136.09 g/mol. This page describes the solid salt without water of crystallization; confirm the offered physical form and food standard.
How does food grade MKP differ from fertilizer MKP 0-52-34?
The name and formula can be shared, but fertilizer NPK analysis does not qualify material for food processing. Food-grade purchasing requires the applicable identity, impurity controls, traceability, food-contact packing and source documents. Use the separate agricultural page for plant-nutrition requirements.
Does the pH reference predict the final food pH?
No. The JECFA reference is pH 4.2–4.7 in a 1 in 100 solution. It is not a published commercial pH guarantee or a target for every food. The complete formula, concentration, temperature, water and mineral system determine the finished-product response.
Does the commercial specification establish JECFA conformity?
No. The lead reference is ≤5 mg/kg versus the cited JECFA maximum of 4 mg/kg. A batch may test lower, but the commercial limit cannot guarantee that requirement. The loss-on-ignition method and other acceptance fields also need definition before full comparison.
Are ignition loss and drying loss interchangeable?
No. Temperature, duration and sample treatment define the test. The commercial sheet lists loss on ignition ≤0.5% without a method; JECFA specifies loss on drying ≤2% at 105°C for 4 h. Do not rename the commercial test or infer free moisture from it.
Can MKP replace DKP at the same weight?
No equal-weight replacement is proposed. MKP and DKP differ in potassium-to-phosphate ratio and acid/base behavior. Compare the required ion balance, measured pH, dissolution and process results before selecting either salt or a blend.
What packaging and order information are listed?
The commercial reference lists 25 kg bags, a minimum order of 500 kg and 23 metric tons per 20-foot full container. Reconfirm current order terms, pallet configuration and actual loading. Storage guidance is cool, dry and ventilated, not exceeding 30°C; confirm shelf life in the offered-grade document.
What should an MKP quote request include?
Provide food grade, required standard and destination, dry-basis assay and critical impurity limits, solid form/particle requirements, application and process, target pH and elemental K/P or equivalent reporting basis. Include quantity, packing, destination port, delivery terms/timing and the required specification/TDS, SDS, COA and certificates.
Reviewed 2026-10-05 · Identity/specification reference: FAO/WHO JECFA · Technical-effect context: US FDA inventory.
Related products and application guides
Continue the MKP selection
Dipotassium Phosphate
Compare a more alkaline potassium orthophosphate and potential MKP/DKP buffer pair.
Phosphoric Acid 85%
Compare phosphate acidification when potassium input is not required.
Beverage Formulation Solutions
Connect mineral and buffer selection with clarity, taste, pH and shelf-stability testing.
MKP Fertilizer Grade
Use the separate agricultural page for 0-52-34, fertigation and crop-nutrition intent.
Specification-led sourcing
Request a food grade MKP quote
Identify the food-grade standard and mineral basis so the response is not confused with fertilizer MKP.
- Food or fermentation application and target pH
- Potassium/phosphorus or K2O/P2O5 reporting basis
- Benchmark specification, particle and solution requirements
- Quantity, packing, destination, Incoterm and documents