DCP in food refers to Dicalcium Phosphate, a common food additive used as a nutritional supplement and processing aid.
Dicalcium Phosphate is a versatile ingredient with several functions in the food industry. It primarily acts as:
-
A source of Calcium and Phosphorus: DCP is a cost-effective way to fortify foods and beverages with these essential minerals, which are crucial for bone health, nerve function, and energy metabolism.
-
Leavening Agent: It can be used to generate heat-triggered acidity, important in baking applications for controlled leavening.
-
Whitening Agent: Dicalcium phosphate can be used as a replacement for titanium dioxide, which is sometimes added to provide a white color to certain products.
Therefore, Dicalcium Phosphate serves multiple purposes, contributing to both the nutritional value and the processing characteristics of various food products.
