Ingredient · E330

Citric Acid Sulfur Dioxide

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Citric acid is widely used as an acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, and preservative in …

What is Citric Acid Sulfur Dioxide?

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits. It is produced industrially by fermenting sugar with a strain of the mold Aspergillus niger. It is commonly used as a food additive for its sour taste and preservative qualities.

Is Citric Acid Sulfur Dioxide vegan?

Citric Acid Sulfur Dioxide is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Citric Acid Sulfur Dioxide gluten-free?

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

Is Citric Acid Sulfur Dioxide a major allergen?

Not a major allergen.

What is Citric Acid Sulfur Dioxide used for?

Citric acid is widely used as an acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, and preservative in many food products.

Is Citric Acid Sulfur Dioxide safe?

Citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

Why it's used

Citric acid is widely used as an acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, and preservative in many food products. It provides a tart, sour taste and can help prevent spoilage. It is frequently found in beverages, candies, jams, jellies, and processed fruits and vegetables.

Health notes

Citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is a common component of the human diet and is metabolized through the Krebs cycle. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated citric acid and found it safe for consumption at typical levels. There are no significant controversies regarding its use at levels found in food.

Allergen info

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

Foods that contain Citric Acid Sulfur Dioxide

Compare products →

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: October 5, 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.