Product Introduction
Monocalcium Phosphate (MCP), chemical formula Ca(H₂PO₄)₂·H₂O, also labeled E341(i), is a white, free-flowing, crystalline powder or granule. It serves two major markets: as a fast-acting leavening acid in baking, and as a highly digestible phosphorus and calcium source in animal feed.
If you are asking what is monocalcium phosphate, the short answer is this: in food, it is the acid half of a baking powder system. When it meets sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and moisture, it releases carbon dioxide immediately, lifting batters and doughs and giving baked goods a light, even crumb. In feed, it supplies bioavailable minerals that support animal growth and bone development.
As an established China manufacturer, supplier and exporter of monocalcium phosphate in food and feed, WEHENGFOOD supplies consistent MCP to bakeries, baking powder blenders, premix producers and feed mills worldwide. Food-grade MCP is also an aluminum-free choice for formulators moving away from sodium aluminum phosphate and other aluminum-containing leavening acids.
Available grades:
- Food Grade MCP: for baking powder, self-rising flour and bakery premixes
- Feed Grade MCP: Mono Calcium Phosphate 22% Granular, for poultry, swine, ruminant and aquaculture feed
Certificate of Analysis
Item | STANDARD | TESTING DATA |
Total Phosphorus | 22% min | 22.2% |
Soluble Phosphorus in Citric Acid(2%) | 96% min | 96.3% |
Water Soluble Phosphorus | 75% min | 80% |
Calcium (Ca) | 13% min | 13.3% |
Fluorine(F) | 0.18% max | 0.15% |
Lead(Pb) | 10 ppm max | 6 ppm |
Arsenic(As) | 10 ppm max | 7 ppm |
Cadmium(Cd) | 10 ppm max | 3 ppm |
Cd, mg/kg | ≤1 | <1 |
Mercury(Hg) | 0.1 ppm max | 0.05 ppm |
Size, passing 20-150 mesh | 90% min | 91% |
Conclusion | The product conforms to the standard | |
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Storage condition | Keep away from sunlight, sealed in dry place under room temperature. | |
Key Functions
In baking (food grade)
- Fast-acting leavening acid: Reacts with sodium bicarbonate quickly at room temperature, releasing gas during mixing and in the early stage of baking. Ideal for cakes, muffins, pancakes and cookies.
- Partner in double-acting baking powder: Pair MCP with a slow-reacting acid such as sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP) for gas release in two stages, at the mixing bench and in the oven.
- Improves volume and crumb texture: Controlled CO₂ release gives uniform cell structure, better rise and a tender bite.
- Dough conditioner and yeast food: Supports yeast activity and dough strength in bread and fermented products.
- Neutral flavor profile: When balanced against sodium bicarbonate, MCP leaves little or no off-taste.
- Calcium and phosphorus fortification: Adds both minerals to fortified foods.
In animal feed (feed grade)
- High phosphorus bioavailability: High water solubility means animals absorb phosphorus efficiently, supporting growth, bone development and feed conversion.
- Calcium and phosphorus in one ingredient: Supplies both minerals in a balanced ratio.
- Granular form: Free-flowing and low-dust, so it handles, blends and stores well in feed mills and premix plants.
Applications
Food grade
- Baking powder and self-rising flour: The core use of MCP, and the main reason people search for baking powder ingredients.
- Cakes, cupcakes and muffins: Quick gas release for high volume and soft texture.
- Pancakes, waffles and batter mixes: Immediate rise at the mixing stage.
- Cookies and biscuits: Controlled spread and an even bake.
- Bread and dough products: Yeast food and dough conditioner.
- Bakery premixes: Stable and easy to blend with other dry ingredients.
- Nutritional fortification: Calcium and phosphorus source for fortified foods.
Feed grade (MCP 22% Granular)
- Poultry feed: Broilers and layers.
- Swine feed: Piglets, growers and sows.
- Ruminant feed: Cattle and sheep.
- Aquaculture feed: Fish and shrimp diets.
Factory
Package
Exhibitions
FAQ
Q1: What is monocalcium phosphate (MCP)?
Monocalcium phosphate (MCP), formula Ca(H₂PO₄)₂·H₂O and also known as E341(i), is a white crystalline or granular salt made by reacting phosphoric acid with a calcium source. In food, it works as a fast-acting leavening acid. In animal feed, it is a highly digestible source of phosphorus and calcium.
Q2: How does monocalcium phosphate work in baking powder?
MCP is the acid component of baking powder. When it is mixed with sodium bicarbonate and moisture, the two react right away and release carbon dioxide. The gas expands inside the batter or dough, giving cakes, muffins and pancakes volume and a soft, even crumb. Most of the gas is released at mixing and in the early stage of baking.
Q3: What is the difference between monocalcium phosphate and sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP)?
Both are leavening acids, but they react at different speeds. MCP is fast-acting and releases gas during mixing. SAPP is slow-acting and releases most of its gas in the oven. Many double-acting baking powders blend the two, so the dough rises at the bench and again during baking. MCP also contains no aluminum, unlike sodium aluminum phosphate (SALP).
Q4: Is monocalcium phosphate bad for you?
Food-grade MCP is approved as a food additive in major markets, including the US (GRAS) and the EU (E341(i)), when used according to good manufacturing practice. It breaks down into calcium and phosphate, which the body uses as normal nutrients. As with any phosphate additive, total dietary phosphorus intake matters, so MCP should be used at the levels the formulation actually needs.
Q5: What is the difference between food grade and feed grade MCP, and how does MCP differ from dicalcium phosphate?
Food grade MCP is used as a leavening acid and calcium and phosphorus source in baking and fortified foods. Feed grade MCP, typically supplied as Mono Calcium Phosphate 22% Granular, provides bioavailable phosphorus and calcium for poultry, swine, ruminant and aquaculture feed. Dicalcium phosphate is a different salt. It is mainly a mineral supplement and anticaking agent, and it is not used as a leavening acid.
Q6: What are the payment terms for monocalcium phosphate orders?
As a China manufacturer, supplier and exporter of food grade and feed grade monocalcium phosphate, WEHENGFOOD offers simple payment terms: 50% advance payment to confirm the order, and the remaining 50% paid against a copy of the bill of lading (B/L) after shipment.
