Ingredient · E330

Citric Add

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers use citric acid primarily as an acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, and preservative. It …

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 sugarcane, using a specific strain of the mold Aspergillus niger. The resulting citric acid is then purified and crystallized.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use citric acid primarily as an acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, and preservative. It provides a tart, sour taste and helps to balance sweetness in foods and beverages. It is commonly found in candies, jams, jellies, soft drinks, and processed fruits and vegetables.

Health notes

In the United States, citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. It is also approved as a food additive in the EU and has been evaluated by JECFA. At typical consumption levels found in food, it is not associated with adverse health effects. Some individuals may experience tooth enamel erosion with very frequent, high-acid food consumption, but this is not specific to citric acid.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Citric Add

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Lucky Country USA, LLC Lucky Country, Aussie Style Soft Licorice Candy, Berry Fusion, Berry Fusion Candy 350kcal 2.5Protein 1.2Fat 80Carbs Yoplait USA Caramelized Banana Nut Flavored Oatmeal Meets With Greek Yogurt, Caramelized Banana Nut Yogurt 129kcal 7.1Protein 2.9Fat 18.1Carbs Camino Real Foods, Inc. Egg, Potato, Cheese Sauce & Sausage Breakfast Wraps, Egg, Potato, Cheese Sauce & Sausage Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 34% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 230kcal 5.9Protein 9.3Fat 29.9Carbs Camino Real Foods, Inc. Egg, Potato, Cheese Sauce & Bacon Breakfast Wraps, Egg, Potato, Cheese Sauce & Bacon Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 33% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 33% DV per serving 230kcal 6.4Protein 9.3Fat 28.9Carbs Live the Dream Management Group Double Pepperoni Sybergs House Pizza Sauce Topped With Double Pepperoni And Cheese Thin Crust Pizza, Double Pepperoni Pizza High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 242kcal 9.5Protein 13.7Fat 20Carbs EXBC LLC Blitz Mix Other Snacks 500kcal 7.1Protein 25Fat 60.7Carbs V.A.P. Limited Kola Champagne Flavoured Bulk Syrup, Kola Champagne Syrups & Molasses 350kcal 0Protein 0Fat 88.3Carbs Nestle USA Inc. Pepperoni & Sausage Half & Half Pizza, Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza High in sodium — 34% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 254kcal 10.9Protein 12.3Fat 24.6Carbs Nestle USA Inc. 4 Meat Sausage, Beef, Pepperoni, Canadian Bacon Original Pizza, 4 Meat Pizza High in sodium — 28% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 224kcal 11.2Protein 10.4Fat 21.6Carbs

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.