Applications for sodium phosphates are many in the culinary and technical end industries.

Numerous items employ monosodium phosphate (MSP) as a buffering agent. In applications involving water treatment, pH is also controlled by it.

As an emulsifier, pH buffer, and stabiliser, sodium phosphate (DSP) is used in processed cheese, condensed milk, instant pudding, and other culinary applications. Additionally, this chemical is employed in water treatment and textile applications as a buffering agent.

Condensed milk and processed cheese may both be emulsified with trisodium phosphate (TSP). In the sanitation and water treatment industries, it is also employed as a softener, sequestrant, and precipitating agent.