Ingredient · E330

And Citric Acid

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add citric acid primarily to regulate acidity and enhance flavor in foods and …

What it is

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and limes. It is commercially produced through the fermentation of sugar by specific molds, primarily Aspergillus niger. This process yields a pure, crystalline powder that is widely used in the food industry.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add citric acid primarily to regulate acidity and enhance flavor in foods and beverages. It acts as a preservative by inhibiting microbial growth and can also be used as an antioxidant to prevent spoilage. It is commonly found in candies, jams, jellies, soft drinks, and processed fruits and vegetables.

Health notes

Citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food. It is a natural component of metabolism and is safely processed by the body. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated citric acid and found it safe for consumption. At typical dietary levels, it poses no known health risks.

Allergen info

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

Products containing And Citric Acid

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MCCORMICK Mccormick, Italian Herb Baked Chicken & Pasta Seasoning Mix Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 333kcal 0Protein 0Fat 66.7Carbs MEIJER Meijer, Boneless Seasoned Pork Loin Filet, Teriyaki Other Meats High in sodium — 27% DV per serving 143kcal 17.9Protein 5.4Fat 4.5Carbs WORLD MARKET White Chocolate With Bolivian Rose Sea Salt Chocolate High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 535kcal 4.7Protein 32.6Fat 58.1Carbs ROUSES MARKETS Grape Jam Jam, Jelly & Fruit Spreads 250kcal 0Protein 0Fat 60Carbs SHURFINE Fancy Golden Pineapple Tidbits In Juice Canned Fruit 57kcal 0Protein 0Fat 13.9Carbs McCormick & Company, Inc. Chili Seasoning Mix, Chili Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 375kcal 12.5Protein 12.5Fat 62.5Carbs Conagra Brands BANQUET Chicken Pasta Marinara, 6.5 OZ Dough Based Products / Meals High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 158kcal 6.5Protein 7.6Fat 16.3Carbs Miss Vickies Smokehouse BBQ Potato Chips 1.375 Ounce Plastic Bag Frito Lay Miss Vickies Smokehouse BBQ Potato Chips 1.375 Ounce Plastic Bag Snacks 540kcal 5.1Protein 30.9Fat 59.1Carbs Frito-Lay Munchos Hot 7z Snacks 571kcal 3.6Protein 35.7Fat 57.1Carbs Frito Lay 1.87Oz Lay's Kettle Barbecue Snacks 527kcal 5.7Protein 30.1Fat 58.4Carbs Frito Lay Cheetos Simply White Cheddar Puffs 1 Ounce Snacks 530kcal 7.1Protein 32.2Fat 53Carbs TUSCAN GARDEN Quartered Artichoke Hearts Canned Vegetables 35kcal 2.3Protein 0Fat 6.9Carbs
Salt (291 products) Sugar (223 products) Water (207 products) Natural Flavors (156 products) Spices (124 products) Dextrose (94 products) Maltodextrin (92 products) Garlic (91 products) Sea Salt (73 products) Corn Syrup (67 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.