Ingredient

Citric Acid And Sodium Benzoate

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Citric acid and its salts are widely used in food and beverages to provide …

What it is

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits. It is produced commercially through the fermentation of carbohydrates by microorganisms, such as Aspergillus niger. It is commonly used as an acidulant and flavor enhancer.

Why it's used

Citric acid and its salts are widely used in food and beverages to provide tartness, enhance flavor, and act as a preservative. They are found in products like soft drinks, jams, candies, and processed foods.

Health notes

Citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Both citric acid and sodium benzoate have been evaluated by JECFA, which established acceptable daily intakes for each. Sodium benzoate is also approved by the FDA as a preservative. While generally safe, some individuals may experience mild reactions to sodium benzoate, particularly when consumed in large amounts or in combination with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), where small amounts of benzene can form under certain conditions.

Allergen info

Neither citric acid nor sodium benzoate are derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. They do not contain gluten.

Products containing Citric Acid And Sodium Benzoate

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FIRST STREET Red Food Color Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Reggio's Pizza Inc. Authentic Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza, Cheese Pizza High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving 321kcal 11.6Protein 11.6Fat 42.0Carbs Finlay Extracts & Ingredients USA, Inc. Roundy's, Iced Brownies Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 316kcal 2.6Protein 9.2Fat 60.5Carbs Finlay Extracts & Ingredients USA, Inc. Pistachio Almond Flavor Handcrafted Creme Cake, Pistachio Almond Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 282kcal 4.2Protein 9.9Fat 46.5Carbs Finlay Extracts & Ingredients USA, Inc. Roundy's, Creme Cake, Coconut Sour Cream, Coconut Sour Cream Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 296kcal 4.2Protein 12.7Fat 45.1Carbs Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Finishing Butter, Garlic Cheese Butter & Spread High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 600kcal 6.7Protein 66.7Fat 6.7Carbs Walls Berry Farm Inc Fruit Drink Concentrate, Loganberry Raspberry Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 211kcal 0Protein 0Fat 60.5Carbs Bonert's Incorporated Meringue Pie, Key Lime Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 263kcal 2.5Protein 10.2Fat 40.7Carbs Smart & Final Iris Corporation Red Food Color Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Smart & Final Iris Corporation Blue Food Color Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Smart & Final Iris Corporation Green Food Color Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Tropical Heaven By Omina Ortiz Recaito Dona Lola Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables 429kcal 14.3Protein 0Fat 100Carbs

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.