Ingredient · E330

Added To Enhance Tartness

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

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add citric acid to foods and beverages to enhance tartness, act as a …

What it is

Citric acid is a weak organic acid naturally found in citrus fruits like lemons and limes. It is commercially produced through the fermentation of carbohydrates by microorganisms, primarily Aspergillus niger. It is a common food additive used to provide a sour or tart taste.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add citric acid to foods and beverages to enhance tartness, act as a preservative by lowering pH, and improve flavor. It is frequently found in soft drinks, candies, jams, jellies, and processed fruits and vegetables.

Health notes

Citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is metabolized by the body and does not accumulate. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated citric acid and found it safe for consumption at typical levels. No significant health concerns are associated with its consumption in food.

Allergen info

Citric acid is not derived from any of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Added To Enhance Tartness

Compare products →
Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories
Mama Sita's, Ilocano Pinapaitan Bitter Stew Mix MAMA SITA'S Mama Sita's, Ilocano Pinapaitan Bitter Stew Mix Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 250kcal 16.7Protein 0Fat 50Carbs Mama Sita's, Sisig Citrus-Pepper Spice Mix MAMA SITA'S Mama Sita's, Sisig Citrus-Pepper Spice Mix Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 300kcal 0Protein 0Fat 60Carbs Mama Sita Holdings Co., Inc. Tamarind Seasoning Mix Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 250kcal 0Protein 0Fat 50Carbs Mama Sita's, Tamarind Seasoning Mix Mama Sita Holdings Co., Inc. Mama Sita's, Tamarind Seasoning Mix Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 167kcal 0Protein 0Fat 33.3Carbs Adobo Savory Sauce Mix Mama Sita Holdings Co., Inc. Adobo Savory Sauce Mix Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 333kcal 16.7Protein 0Fat 66.7Carbs Mama Sita Holdings Co., Inc. Mama Sita's, Sweet & Sour Sauce Mix Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 391kcal 0Protein 0Fat 95.7Carbs Mama Sita's, Barbecue Marinade Mama Sita Holdings Co., Inc. Mama Sita's, Barbecue Marinade Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers High in sodium — 25% DV per serving 233kcal 0Protein 0Fat 53.3Carbs Meat Srew Mix Mama Sita Holdings Co., Inc. Meat Srew Mix Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 333kcal 0Protein 0Fat 66.7Carbs Mama Sita's, Tocino Marinating Mix Mama Sita Holdings Co., Inc. Mama Sita's, Tocino Marinating Mix Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers High in sodium — 52% DV per serving 429kcal 0Protein 0Fat 85.7Carbs
Salt (9 products) Citric Acid (7 products) Cane Sugar (7 products) Monosodium Glutamate (5 products) Garlic Powder (4 products) As Flavor Enhancer (4 products) Onion Powder (4 products) Tomato Powder (3 products) Ginger Powder (2 products) Black Pepper (2 products)

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.