E338 - Phosphoric acid
By the Daat team · Updated October 30, 2026
E338 is phosphoric acid, the acid that gives cola its sharp taste.
In our catalog it is mostly in soft drinks. Outside cola it is fairly rare in food.
How common is it? 1.2% of the products we checked, 198 in all, led by drinks and sauces, spreads and salads.
E338 at a glance
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Phosphoric acid |
| Function | Acid / acidity regulator |
| Origin | Plant, mineral or synthetic |
| Vegan / vegetarian | Yes / Yes |
Is E338 vegan?
Yes. E338 has no animal source, so it suits both vegans and vegetarians.