Tripotassium phosphate is slightly hygroscopic. It is a tribasic salt which can be used as a food additive or to form buffer solutions in water. Besides its use as a catalyst, it has also been used for its antimicrobial properties. It is used as a food additive for its properties as an emulsifier, foaming agent, and whipping agent. In combination with fatty acids, it is a potential antimicrobial agent in poultry processing.