What are the applications of disodium phosphate in the food industry?

Disodium phosphate has a variety of applications in the food industry, mainly including the following aspects:
Moisture Retaining Agent: In the processing of meat, poultry and fish, etc., it can combine with the proteins in the meat to improve the water holding capacity of the meat. For example, adding disodium phosphate to ham sausage, luncheon meat and other products can make the products retain more water and reduce juice loss during processing and storage, thus keeping the meat tender and juicy and improving the taste and quality of the products.
pH value regulator: It is used to regulate the pH value of food, so that the food is in a suitable acid-base environment. In dairy products, it can prevent milk protein from coagulating under acidic conditions and maintain product stability. For example, in the production of yogurt, the addition of disodium phosphate in the right amount can control the pH value of the product, which can help yogurt form a delicate texture and good flavor. In beverages, the pH value can also be adjusted to improve the taste and stability.
Quality Improver: It can enhance the elasticity and toughness of food. Adding disodium phosphate to noodles, dumpling skins and other noodle products can make the dough more resilient and less likely to break during processing, as well as improve the texture and gloss of noodle products. In baked goods, it helps to regulate the pH of the dough, improve the baking effect, and make bread and other products more fluffy and delicious.
Emulsifier: It helps to emulsify oil and water in food, making the products more uniform and stable. In some fat-containing sauces, milk beverages and other products, disodium phosphate can reduce the surface tension of the oil-water interface, so that the oil and grease are evenly dispersed in the water, preventing the separation of the oil phase and the water phase, and prolonging the shelf life of the product.
Nutritional fortification: As a supplementary source of phosphorus and sodium, it can be added to food to meet the human body's demand for these nutrients. In some foods for special people, such as infant formula and nutritional foods for the elderly, the addition of disodium phosphate in the right amount can supplement phosphorus and sodium, which helps to maintain the normal physiological functions of the human body.