Tag: Trisodium phosphate

According to the official Lucky Charms website, trisodium phosphate is listed as an ingredient in the cereal. This common food additive is often misunderstood due to its use in industrial cleaners, but in food, it serves a very different purpose.

According to AFP Fact Check, the food-grade version of trisodium phosphate (TSP) used in products like cereal is highly purified and strictly regulated, unlike the industrial cleaner. General Mills includes this additive to improve texture, aid processing, and enhance flavor stability in some of its cereals. The use of trisodium phosphate has become a significant point of consumer concern due to its industrial applications, prompting many to question its presence in breakfast foods.

The FDA classifies food-grade trisodium phosphate as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS), yet many consumers question why is phosphate in cereal. This article delves into the purpose and impact of phosphate additives found in many popular breakfast cereals.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other global regulatory agencies, a highly purified and regulated version of trisodium phosphate, or TSP, is indeed food-safe when used as an additive. The confusion surrounding the safety of TSP stems from the stark difference between this food-grade form and the industrial-strength cleaner that bears the same name.

While sometimes mistaken for an industrial cleaner, food-grade trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a regulated and purified additive found in many processed food products. This guide will detail the various functions and applications, answering the question: what is trisodium phosphate used for in food?

According to a 2025 Food Industry Report, two-thirds of food companies are prioritizing the elimination of synthetic additives due to consumer demand for "clean label" products. This raises a critical question for many parents and consumers: does Cheerios contain TSP, or trisodium phosphate?

According to a 2023 report, 62% of consumers actively seek out 'clean label' products, leading to increased scrutiny of common food additives. For many, this includes asking: what cereal does not have TSP in it? The concern stems from the widespread use of trisodium phosphate (TSP) in processed foods and its potential health implications.

The term "sodium phosphate" refers to a family of salts, not a single compound, which means the amount of sodium for any given quantity can vary dramatically depending on the specific chemical formula. A precise answer to how much sodium is in 20 mmol of sodium phosphate therefore requires knowing which compound is in question.

Despite its industrial use as a heavy-duty cleaner, the food-grade version of trisodium phosphate in Cinnamon Toast Crunch is deemed safe by the FDA. Manufacturers add this ingredient for very specific functional purposes related to the cereal's texture, flavor, and stability.

According to the official Cheerios ingredient list, Original Cheerios does contain tripotassium phosphate and other varieties may contain trisodium phosphate. This ingredient is added during processing and serves several functional purposes for the cereal.