Dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4) is also dipotassium hydrogen orthophosphate; potassium phosphate dibasic, it is a common source of phosphorus and potassium. It is often used as a fertilizer, food additive, and buffering agent. It is a white or colorless solid that is soluble in water.
Dipotassium phosphate (DKP) is a multi-purpose food additive. Not only does this allow for certain foods to be shelf-stable and appealing, but you get the added benefit of potassium. Without DKP, many dairy-based coffee creamers, cheese products and any other food that is lacking in potassium would not be possible without the use of other, possibly more expensive, ingredients that do not have the additional benefit of potassium.
As a food additive, dipotassium phosphate is used in imitation dairy creamers, dry powder beverages, mineral supplements, and starter cultures. It functions as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and texturizer; it also is a buffering agent, and chelating agent especially for the calcium in milk products. As a food additive, Dipotassium Phosphate (DKP) Dipotassium Phosphate is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in human foods, also considered GRAS for use in food generally as a multiple purpose food ingredient when used in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP).
Dipotassium Phosphate has several common functions, including:
- Alkalinity Source
- Sequestrant
- Emulsifying Agent
- Precipitating Agent
- Buffering Agent
- Protein Stabilizer
- Dispersant
- Nutrient Source
- Fermentation Nutrient
- Anti-Feathering Agent and Acid Buffer in Non-Dairy Creamers
- Whitener in Food Applications
- Anti-Coagulant
- Fertilizer Additives
- Lab Reagents
- Multi-purpose surfactant
- Specialty fertilizer
- Automotive antifreeze formulations
- Nutrient for antibiotics
- Pharmaceutical ingredient
Common applications of Dipotassium Phosphate include:
Coffee Creamers
Dipotassium Phosphate is an excellent highly soluble buffer for casein based coffee creamers. The use of Dipotassium Phosphate stabilizes the protein layer around the fat droplets, thus, preventing syneresis and curdling of the protein when added to hot, acidic coffee or tea.
Processed Cheese Products
Dipotassium Phosphate helps buffer the pH and interact with the milk proteins to promote emulsification.
Nutrient Resource
The potassium present in Dipotassium Phosphate can be used as a mineral supplement for pharmaceuticals and a nutrient base during yeast production and other fermentation processes.
