Ingredient · E330

Citric Acid To Regulate Acidity

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add citric acid primarily to regulate acidity and enhance flavor in foods and …

What it is

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. It is commercially produced through the fermentation of a sugar source, typically from corn, using a specific strain of the mold Aspergillus niger. This process yields a pure, crystalline powder.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add citric acid primarily to regulate acidity and enhance flavor in foods and beverages. It provides a tart, sour taste and can also act as a preservative by inhibiting microbial growth. It is commonly found in jams, jellies, canned fruits, candies, and soft drinks.

Health notes

Citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food. International bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated it. At typical consumption levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects. Some research has explored its potential role in preventing kidney stones, but more studies are needed.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Citric Acid To Regulate Acidity

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Mandarin Oranges In Light Syrup, Mandarin Oranges CLOVER VALLEY Mandarin Oranges In Light Syrup, Mandarin Oranges Canned Fruit 53kcal 0Protein 0Fat 13.3Carbs Family Dollar Stores Inc. Tropical Fruit Salad In Light Syrup, Tropical Canned Fruit High in added sugars — 42% DV per serving 86kcal 0Protein 0Fat 21.4Carbs Strawberry Preserves, Strawberry Save Mart Supermarkets Inc. Strawberry Preserves, Strawberry Jam, Jelly & Fruit Spreads High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 250kcal 0Protein 0Fat 70Carbs Sliced Pineapple In Light Syrup, Sliced Pineapple Nli, LLC Sliced Pineapple In Light Syrup, Sliced Pineapple Canned Fruit High in added sugars — 30% DV per serving 71kcal 0Protein 0Fat 17.1Carbs Transnational Foods, Inc. Fruit Cocktail In Light Syrup Canned Fruit 64kcal 0Protein 0Fat 15.7Carbs Transnational Foods, Inc. Mandarin Oranges In Light Syrup, Mandarin Oranges Canned Fruit 53kcal 0Protein 0Fat 13.3Carbs Strawberry Berry Sweet, Strawberry Rite Aid Corporation Strawberry Berry Sweet, Strawberry Jam, Jelly & Fruit Spreads High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 250kcal 0Protein 0Fat 70Carbs Sliced Mango In Light Syrup Save Mart Supermarkets Inc. Sliced Mango In Light Syrup Canned Fruit High in added sugars — 40% DV per serving 71kcal 0.7Protein 0Fat 17.1Carbs Field Harvest, Inc. Sliced Peaches In Light Syrup Canned Fruit High in added sugars — 46% DV per serving 86kcal 0Protein 0Fat 21.4Carbs Grape Jam, Grape Save Mart Supermarkets Inc. Grape Jam, Grape Jam, Jelly & Fruit Spreads High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 250kcal 0Protein 0Fat 65Carbs Save Mart Supermarkets Inc. Grape Jelly, Grape Jam, Jelly & Fruit Spreads High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 300kcal 0Protein 0Fat 75Carbs Rite Aid Corporation Diced Peaches In 100% Juice Canned Fruit 62kcal 0.9Protein 0Fat 15.0Carbs
Sugar (18 products) Water (18 products) Ascorbic Acid (7 products) Pectin (5 products) Salt (5 products) Peaches (4 products) Pineapple (3 products) Guar Gum (2 products) Spices (2 products) Fd & C Red No.3 (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.