Ingredient · E330

Contains 2% Or Less: Citric Acid

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add citric acid to foods and beverages to provide a tart, sour flavor …

What it is

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and limes. It is commercially produced by the fermentation of sugar by certain molds, most commonly Aspergillus niger. It is a widely used food additive for its sour taste and preservative qualities.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add citric acid to foods and beverages to provide a tart, sour flavor and act as a preservative. It is also used to enhance the effectiveness of antioxidants and to help maintain the color and texture of processed foods. You'll find it in candies, jams, jellies, soft drinks, and canned fruits and vegetables.

Health notes

Citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when used as a food additive. International bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated citric acid and its salts, finding them safe for consumption. At typical dietary levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects. Some research has explored its role in energy metabolism, but more studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Allergen info

Citric acid is not derived from any of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. It is also gluten-free.

Products containing Contains 2% Or Less: Citric Acid

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Little Town Jerky Company Incorporated Little Town Jerky Company, Hardwood Smoked Snack Sticks, Fajita Seasoning, Fajita Seasoning Other Snacks 321kcal 17.9Protein 25Fat 3.6Carbs The Hillshire Brands Company Ham, Bell Peppers, Mushroom, Bacon And Onion Egg Frittatas With Turkey Sausage And Cheese Egg'Wich, Ham, Bell Peppers, Mushroom, Bacon And Onion Egg Frittatas With Turkey Sausage And Cheese Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 57% DV per serving 207kcal 11.2Protein 14.7Fat 6.0Carbs Little Town Jerky Company Incorporated Garlic & Pepper Hardwood Smoked Snack Sticks, Garlic & Pepper Other Snacks 321kcal 17.9Protein 25Fat 3.6Carbs Smoked Sausage, Hot Links, Polska Kielbasa, Smoked Bratwurst The Hillshire Brands Company Smoked Sausage, Hot Links, Polska Kielbasa, Smoked Bratwurst Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 33% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 318kcal 13.6Protein 27.3Fat 4.5Carbs Ciabatta With Whole Grain Egg Whites, Turkey Sausage & Cheese Sandwiches, Ciabatta With Whole Grain The Hillshire Brands Company Ciabatta With Whole Grain Egg Whites, Turkey Sausage & Cheese Sandwiches, Ciabatta With Whole Grain Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 200kcal 12.3Protein 7.7Fat 20Carbs Ham, Bell Peppers, Mushroom, Bacon And Onion Egg Frittatas With Turkey Sausage And Cheese Egg'Wich, Ham, Bell Peppers, Mushroom, Bacon And Onion Egg Frittatas With Turkey Sausage And Cheese The Hillshire Brands Company Ham, Bell Peppers, Mushroom, Bacon And Onion Egg Frittatas With Turkey Sausage And Cheese Egg'Wich, Ham, Bell Peppers, Mushroom, Bacon And Onion Egg Frittatas With Turkey Sausage And Cheese Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 31% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 57% DV per serving 207kcal 12.9Protein 14.7Fat 6.9Carbs Egg'Wich Ham, Bell Peppers, Mushroom, Bacon And Onion Egg Frittatas With Turkey Sausage And Cheese The Breadless Breakfast, Egg'Wich The Hillshire Brands Company Egg'Wich Ham, Bell Peppers, Mushroom, Bacon And Onion Egg Frittatas With Turkey Sausage And Cheese The Breadless Breakfast, Egg'Wich Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 31% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 57% DV per serving 207kcal 12.9Protein 13.8Fat 6.9Carbs Bacon, Spinach, Caramelized Onion And Parmesan Egg Frittatas With Turkey Sausage And Cheese Egg'Wich, Bacon, Spinach, Caramelized Onion And Parmesan Egg Frittatas With Turkey Sausage And Cheese The Hillshire Brands Company Bacon, Spinach, Caramelized Onion And Parmesan Egg Frittatas With Turkey Sausage And Cheese Egg'Wich, Bacon, Spinach, Caramelized Onion And Parmesan Egg Frittatas With Turkey Sausage And Cheese Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 34% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 60% DV per serving 224kcal 12.9Protein 16.4Fat 6.9Carbs Ferrara Candy Company Paw Patrol, Fruit Flavored Snacks, Fruit Candy High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 318kcal 4.5Protein 0Fat 72.7Carbs Ferrara Candy Company Fruit Flavored Snacks, Fruit Candy High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 318kcal 4.5Protein 0Fat 72.7Carbs

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.