Ingredient · E330

Citricacid

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers add citric acid to foods and beverages primarily to provide a tart, sour …

What it is

Citric acid is a weak organic acid that occurs naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and limes. It is commercially produced through the fermentation of a sugar source, usually from corn, by a type of mold called Aspergillus niger.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add citric acid to foods and beverages primarily to provide a tart, sour flavor and to act as a preservative. It can also be used to enhance the effectiveness of antioxidants and to help stabilize or preserve foods.

Health notes

In the United States, citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have also evaluated citric acid and found it to be safe for consumption. At typical dietary levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects. There are no significant controversies or mixed evidence regarding its safety.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Citricacid

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FRANKY'S CUCINA ITALIANO Gourmet Meat Sauce Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 86kcal 7.9Protein 6.2Fat 7.0Carbs Conagra Brands BANQUET Sweet And Sour Chicken Meal, 8 OZ Grain Based Products / Meals High in sodium — 24% DV per serving 172kcal 4.4Protein 6.2Fat 24.7Carbs Brookshire Grocery Company Bread Sticks, Cheese Stuffed Frozen Bread & Dough 308kcal 12.3Protein 12.3Fat 35.4Carbs Tgis Flowers, Inc. Gelato Tiramisu Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving High in added sugars — 38% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 210kcal 4Protein 10Fat 24Carbs Kradjian Importing Co., Inc. Mid East, Imported Giardeniera Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 36kcal 0Protein 0Fat 7.1Carbs Coborn's Incorporated Coborn's, Square Cake, Strawberry Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 378kcal 3.0Protein 17.0Fat 53.3Carbs McCormick & Company, Inc. Italian Garlic Steak Marinade Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 67kcal 0Protein 0Fat 13.3Carbs Multicom Publishing Incorporated Marinated Mix Mushrooms Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 21kcal 1.8Protein 0Fat 2.9Carbs

Palermo Villa Inc. BBQ Recipe Chicken Sausage Barbecue Sauce, Sliced Chicken Sausage, Red Onions, Mozzarella & Yellow Cheddar Thin Crust Made With Sweet Potato Pizza, BBQ Recipe Chicken Sausage Pizza High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 236kcal 10.6Protein 10.6Fat 23.6Carbs Gargo Foods, Inc. Original Michelada Beer Mix, Original Alcohol 222kcal 0Protein 33.3Fat 44.4Carbs Haggen Inc. Preserves, Red Raspberry Jam, Jelly & Fruit Spreads 200kcal 0Protein 0Fat 50Carbs Market Basket Inc. Vanilla Bean 3 Layer Cake Slice - Cafe, Vanilla Bean Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 250kcal 2.1Protein 17.9Fat 20.7Carbs

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.