INS 341 (ii) is calcium hydrogen phosphate, usually called dicalcium phosphate (DCP), and numbered E341(ii) in Europe. It is the middle member of the calcium phosphates (INS 341): less acidic than monocalcium phosphate (i), less basic than tricalcium phosphate (iii), and practically insoluble in water.
It is made by reacting phosphoric acid with lime or calcium carbonate. Codex lists it as an acidity regulator, anticaking agent, emulsifying salt, firming agent, flour treatment agent, humectant, raising agent, stabilizer and thickener. Outside snacks it is a common calcium source in fortified foods and supplements.
As a fine, insoluble white powder it helps other powders stay loose. On SeekSnack it appears on Pringles Hot & Spicy Grilled Squid, listed among the food additives alongside silicon dioxide and gum arabic; in snack seasonings, calcium phosphates are mainly there to keep the flavour powder free-flowing.
