Ingredient · E270

Acidulants: Lactic Acid

Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add lactic acid to foods to provide a sour taste and act as …

What is Acidulants: Lactic Acid?

Lactic acid is an organic acid naturally found in dairy products and produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates. It can be produced industrially through the fermentation of sugars from sources like corn starch or beet sugar, or synthetically.

Is Acidulants: Lactic Acid gluten-free?

Lactic acid is not derived from any of the nine major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Is Acidulants: Lactic Acid a major allergen?

Not a major allergen.

What is Acidulants: Lactic Acid used for?

Manufacturers add lactic acid to foods to provide a sour taste and act as a preservative.

Is Acidulants: Lactic Acid safe?

Lactic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add lactic acid to foods to provide a sour taste and act as a preservative. It helps control acidity and can enhance the flavor of products like pickles, olives, and relishes.

Health notes

Lactic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a natural byproduct of metabolism in the body. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated lactic acid and its salts, finding them safe for consumption. No significant health concerns are associated with its typical use in food.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen. Lactic acid is not derived from any of the nine major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Acidulants: Lactic Acid

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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: October 5, 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.