Alkaline buffering
TSP is alkaline and can influence formulation pH. Dose, taste, protein response and destination-market permissions must be assessed.
Food grade phosphate · Sodium orthophosphate · INS 339(iii)
Trisodium phosphate is an alkaline sodium orthophosphate supplied in anhydrous or hydrated forms for selected buffering, emulsifying-salt, sequestration and water-management applications.

Product overview
Food grade trisodium phosphate (TSP), also called tribasic sodium phosphate, is INS 339(iii). The commercial references distinguish anhydrous Na3PO4 and dodecahydrate Na3PO4·12H2O forms.
Commercial specifications and independent additive-identity references serve different purposes. Legal use, dosage and documentation must be confirmed for the destination market and exact food application.
Functional roles
Performance depends on grade, dosage, formulation, process conditions and applicable food rules.
TSP is alkaline and can influence formulation pH. Dose, taste, protein response and destination-market permissions must be assessed.
Evaluate water retention, sequestration and emulsifying-salt functions separately in the actual food formulation.
Food application screening
These are application-screening areas, not universal use approvals or guaranteed outcomes.
Evaluate water retention, binding, yield, texture and sensory effects in the actual protein and salt system.
May contribute to pH and mineral balance in qualified emulsifying-salt systems.
Screen protein interactions, buffering and stability while controlling alkalinity and flavor.
Evaluate pH, clarity, mineral compatibility and taste before commercial use.
Confirm hydrate form, dissolution, flow and compatibility with acids and other minerals.
Sugar-juice purification and other food-contact process uses require separate technical and regulatory qualification.
Commercial specifications
These commercial reference limits are separate from batch COA results and regulatory requirements. Agree the grade, analytical basis and methods in the signed specification.
| Test item | Unit | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | — | White crystalline or granular powder |
| Trisodium phosphate content | — | Form-dependent; see rows below |
| Anhydrous, as dried Na3PO4 | % | ≥97.0 |
| Dodecahydrate | % | ≥92.0 |
| Arsenic (As) | % | ≤0.0003 |
| Fluoride (F) | % | ≤0.005 |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | % | ≤0.001 |
| Water-insoluble matter | % | ≤0.2 |
| Loss on drying | — | Form-dependent; see rows below |
| Anhydrous | % | ≤2.0 |
| Dodecahydrate | % | 45.0–57.0 |
Specification note: Anhydrous and dodecahydrate TSP differ substantially in formula weight and loss on drying. State the required form and analytical basis in the purchase specification and formulation calculations.
Qualification support
Request the current specification/TDS, SDS, test methods and representative or batch COA.
Request applicable HACCP, Kosher, Halal and ISO documents; verify product, site, scope and validity.
Review the FAO/WHO JECFA trisodium phosphate record for identity context.
Storage and handling
Buyer questions
Trisodium phosphate is an alkaline sodium orthophosphate supplied in anhydrous or hydrated forms for selected buffering, emulsifying-salt, sequestration and water-management applications. Confirm legal use and performance for the exact application.
The commercial reference specification lists ≥97.0% anhydrous. Use the current signed specification and batch COA for acceptance.
The reference is 25 kg per bag, 24 MT per 20-foot container and a 500 kg minimum order.
Request specification/TDS, SDS, COA and applicable HACCP, Kosher, Halal and ISO documents for the exact source.
Provide grade or hydration form, application, specification, quantity, packing, destination, documents and delivery date.
Related food phosphates
Review identity, specification, applications and sourcing details for this related food-grade phosphate.
Review identity, specification, applications and sourcing details for this related food-grade phosphate.
Review identity, specification, applications and sourcing details for this related food-grade phosphate.
Specification-led sourcing
Share application, specification, quantity, packing, destination and required documents.