Ingredient · E330

Citric Acid Powder

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add citric acid as an acidity regulator, preservative, and flavor enhancer. It provides …

What it is

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and limes. It is produced commercially through the fermentation of carbohydrate feedstocks, typically using a strain of the mold Aspergillus niger. The resulting product is a white crystalline powder.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add citric acid as an acidity regulator, preservative, and flavor enhancer. It provides a tart, sour taste and can help preserve food by lowering its pH, making it harder for microbes to grow. It is commonly found in beverages, candies, jams, jellies, 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 its salts. At typical consumption levels found in food, it is not associated with adverse health effects.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Citric Acid Powder

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Harris-Teeter Inc. Ht Traders, Black Bean Dip, Medium Dips & Salsa 219kcal 12.5Protein 0Fat 37.5Carbs Moonstruck Chocolate Co. Moonstruck, Savory Truffle Collection Chocolate High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 556kcal 5.6Protein 38.9Fat 55.6Carbs The Father's Table LLC 12 Slice Variety Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip, Raspberry White Chocolate, Fudge Brownie, Blueberry Swirl, Vanilla Bean, Caramel Turtle, Chocolate, Raspberry Swirl, New York Style, Chocolate Cherry, Chocolate Marble, Strawberry Swirl Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 351kcal 4.3Protein 20.2Fat 39.4Carbs Weis Markets, Inc. Handcrafted White Birch Beer Other Drinks 45kcal 0Protein 0Fat —Carbs Weis Markets, Inc. Black Cherry Soda, Black Cherry Soda 42kcal 0Protein 0Fat —Carbs Wakefern Food Corporation Specialty, Tikka Masala Curry Simmer Sauce, Tikka Masala Curry Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 94kcal 1.2Protein 5.9Fat 7.1Carbs
Water (4 products) Salt (3 products) Milk (3 products) Sodium Benzoate (3 products) Sugar (3 products) Lactic Acid (2 products) Modified Food Starch (2 products) Tomatoes (2 products) Red 40 (2 products) Cocoa Butter (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.