Ingredient · E330

As Acidulant

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Citric acid is commonly added to foods and beverages as an acidulant to provide …

What it is

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. It is produced industrially through the fermentation of carbohydrate feedstocks, such as corn starch, using specific strains of the mold Aspergillus niger.

Why it's used

Citric acid is commonly added to foods and beverages as an acidulant to provide a tart, sour taste. It also acts as a preservative by inhibiting microbial growth and as an antioxidant to prevent spoilage. It is frequently found in fruit juices, candies, jams, and processed foods.

Health notes

Citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a natural component of the human diet and is involved in cellular energy production. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated citric acid and its salts, and they are widely used globally. Evidence does not indicate adverse health effects from typical dietary intake.

Allergen info

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

Products containing As Acidulant

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THE PERI CHEF Mirasol Hot Pepper Paste Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 33kcal 1Protein 0.5Fat 6.5Carbs TAJIN Flavored Mango Juice Drink, Mango Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 52kcal 0Protein 0Fat 12.4Carbs Conchita Foods, Inc. Gaunabana Nectar Soursop Nectar Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 60kcal 0Protein 0Fat 14.4Carbs Chaokoh, Banana Blossom In Brine Theppadung Porn Coconut Co Chaokoh, Banana Blossom In Brine Canned Fruit 23kcal 1.5Protein 0Fat 3.9Carbs Glasser Bows, Inc. Peshwari Style Tikka Masala Combines Cream With Our Special Blend Of Herbs And Spices Simmer Sauce, Peshwari Style Tikka Masala Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 192kcal 1.7Protein 16.7Fat 9.2Carbs Nectar Bon Apettit Sa De Cv Nectar Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 55kcal 0Protein 0Fat 13.3Carbs Mango Nectar Bon Apettit Sa De Cv Mango Nectar Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 58kcal 0Protein 0Fat 14.6Carbs Bon Apettit Sa De Cv Guava Nectar Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 70kcal 0Protein 0Fat 17.3Carbs Bon Apettit Sa De Cv Peach Nectar With Vitamin C, Peach Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 55kcal 0Protein 0Fat 13.5Carbs Orange Juice, Orange Bon Apettit Sa De Cv Orange Juice, Orange Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 50kcal 0Protein 0Fat 12Carbs Apple Nectar Bon Apettit Sa De Cv Apple Nectar Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 55kcal 0Protein 0Fat 14Carbs GS1 Mexico Tamarind Roll Candy With Chili, Tamarind Candy 429kcal 4.8Protein 11.9Fat 76.2Carbs
Citric Acid (15 products) Water (12 products) Sugar (12 products) Ascorbic Acid (7 products) Salt (3 products) Xanthan Gum (3 products) Cellulose Gum (3 products) Modified Starch (2 products) Sodium Citrate (2 products) As Firming Agent (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.