Are Calcium Phosphates (E341) Vegan?

Also known as: Monocalcium phosphate (E341i), Dicalcium phosphate (E341ii), Tricalcium phosphate (E341iii), Calcium orthophosphates

Related additives: Bone phosphate

Depends on Source

Last checked 5 Oct 2026 How we decide

Calcium phosphates are vegan when made with mineral inputs. The calcium precursor can also come from oyster shells, so a supplier source check resolves an unspecified E341 ingredient.

What are Calcium Phosphates?

Calcium phosphates are salts of phosphoric acid. E341 covers the monocalcium, dicalcium and tricalcium forms.

Ingredient Data

Vegan Status

Depends on Source

E-Number

E341

Also Known As

Monocalcium phosphate (E341i); Dicalcium phosphate (E341ii); Tricalcium phosphate (E341iii); Calcium orthophosphates

Source

Food-grade calcium phosphates are made by reacting phosphoric acid with calcium compounds. Mineral inputs include phosphate rock and limestone; calcium oxide used upstream can also come from oyster shells.

Commonly Found In

Baking powder, fortified plant beverages and powdered foods.

Vegan Alternative

Calcium phosphates with phosphate rock and mineral-derived calcium inputs confirmed by the supplier.

Additional Notes

Ask whether the calcium precursor comes from limestone or an animal source. The E341 number identifies the additive group and leaves its raw-material origin unspecified.