Ingredient · E260

Acidity Regulator: Acetic Acid

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Acetic acid is used as an acidity regulator, helping to control the pH of …

What it is

Acetic acid is the primary component of vinegar, giving it its sour taste and pungent smell. It is produced industrially through the carbonylation of methanol or the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. It occurs naturally in small amounts in many foods.

Why it's used

Acetic acid is used as an acidity regulator, helping to control the pH of foods. It also acts as a preservative, inhibiting the growth of spoilage microorganisms. It is commonly found in pickles, olives, salad dressings, sauces, and condiments.

Health notes

In the US, acetic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food additive. It is a normal component of metabolism and is consumed in significant amounts through vinegar. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated acetic acid and its salts. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical dietary intake.

Allergen info

Acetic acid is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Products containing Acidity Regulator: Acetic Acid

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MITCHELL'S Garlic Paste Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 62kcal 0Protein 0Fat 12.5Carbs ICECO Cold Smoked Salmon Fillet Sliced, Orange And Mustard Sauce Fish & Seafood 212kcal 20Protein 14Fat 1.3Carbs Premium Mango Chutney GEETA'S Premium Mango Chutney Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 255kcal 0.8Protein 0.2Fat 62Carbs Tbilisi Style With Adzhika Roasted Zucchini, Tbilisi Style RUSPOLE BRANDS CO. Tbilisi Style With Adzhika Roasted Zucchini, Tbilisi Style Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 44kcal 0.9Protein 2.6Fat 4.3Carbs GRANDMA'S Chocolate Wafer Rolls With Cocoa Cream Filling, Chocolate With Cocoa Cream Filling Cookies & Biscuits 467kcal 6.7Protein 16.7Fat 73.3Carbs Geeta's Foods Ltd Mango & Ginger Chutney Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 240kcal 0.5Protein 0.1Fat 58.8Carbs Interpage Co. Herring Steak Boneless Fillet In Tomato Sauce, Herring Steak Canned Seafood High in sodium — 24% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 262kcal 21.8Protein 29.1Fat 12.7Carbs Interpage Co. Mackerel Steak Boneless Fillet In Tomato Sauce, Mackerel Steak Canned Seafood High in sodium — 35% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 262kcal 21.8Protein 29.1Fat 12.7Carbs Kosher Dill Pickles Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 18kcal 0Protein 0Fat 3.6Carbs Kosher Dill Gherkins Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 18kcal 0Protein 0Fat 3.6Carbs Mushroom & Caramelized Red Onion Wood-Fired Crust Pizza With White Garlic Sauce And Topped With Sliced Mushrooms, Caramelized Red Onion, Mozzarella & Provolone Cheeses, Mushroom & Caramelized Red Onion Target Stores Mushroom & Caramelized Red Onion Wood-Fired Crust Pizza With White Garlic Sauce And Topped With Sliced Mushrooms, Caramelized Red Onion, Mozzarella & Provolone Cheeses, Mushroom & Caramelized Red Onion Pizza High in sodium — 28% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 218kcal 9.5Protein 8.2Fat 27.9Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.