Ingredient · E330

Citric Acid And Salt

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Citric acid is widely used as an acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, and preservative in …

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 a sugar source, typically from corn or other plant-based starches, using a specific strain of the mold Aspergillus niger. The resulting acid is then purified and crystallized.

Why it's used

Citric acid is widely used as an acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, and preservative in many foods and beverages. It provides a tart, sour taste and can help extend shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth. It's commonly found in candies, jams, jellies, soft drinks, canned fruits and vegetables, and processed meats.

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 consumed in typical dietary amounts. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated citric acid and its salts, finding them safe for consumption without setting a numerical limit. There are no significant health controversies associated with its typical use in food.

Allergen info

Citric acid is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens (milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, sesame). It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Citric Acid And Salt

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MITICA Escalivada Eggplant, Onion, Red Pepper Compote Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 213kcal 1.1Protein 2.2Fat 46.7Carbs SHURFINE Green Diced Chiles Canned Vegetables 33kcal 0Protein 0Fat 6.7Carbs Frito-Lay Company Cheetos, Winter White Cheese Puffs, Cheddar Cheese, Cheddar Cheese Other Snacks 571kcal 7.1Protein 35.7Fat 53.6Carbs Bay Valley Foods, LLC Amport Foods, Pepitas (Pumpkin Seed Kernels) Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 600kcal 36.7Protein 50Fat 6.7Carbs Turn 4 Foods, Inc. Applause, Greens Smoothie Pack Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables 40kcal 0.9Protein 0Fat 8.8Carbs Aidells Sausage Company Aidells, Smoked Chicken Sausage, Habanero & Green Chile, Habanero & Green Chile Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 28% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 188kcal 14.1Protein 12.9Fat 2.4Carbs Target Stores Organic Smoothie, Fruit & Kale Frozen Fruit & Fruit Juice Concentrates 74kcal 1.1Protein 0Fat 16.8Carbs The Scuba Fuel Company Dehydrated Cactus With Chili Powder Baking Additives & Extracts High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 200kcal 2.5Protein 0Fat 70Carbs

Russell Stover Candies Inc. Truffles In Milk, Dark & White Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate Chocolate High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 30% DV per serving 469kcal 6.2Protein 28.1Fat 53.1Carbs Russell Stover Candies Inc. Truffles In Milk, Dark & White Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate Chocolate High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 30% DV per serving 469kcal 6.2Protein 28.1Fat 53.1Carbs Lowe's Food Stores, Inc. Lowes Foods, Chopped Green Chiles Canned Vegetables 17kcal 0Protein 0Fat 3.3Carbs Lowe's Food Stores, Inc. Lowes Foods, Chopped Green Chiles Canned Vegetables 17kcal 0Protein 0Fat 3.3Carbs

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.