Ingredient · E330

Encapsulated Citric Acid

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use encapsulated citric acid to provide a delayed sour or tart flavor, or …

What it is

Encapsulated citric acid is citric acid coated with a food-grade material, such as vegetable oil or starch. This coating controls its release in food, preventing it from reacting too early during processing or storage. Citric acid itself is a natural acid found in citrus fruits, and it is also produced industrially through fermentation.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use encapsulated citric acid to provide a delayed sour or tart flavor, or to control pH in food products. The coating allows it to be mixed with dry ingredients without affecting them until moisture is present. It is often found in dry mixes, baked goods, and snack seasonings.

Health notes

In the U.S., citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is a common food ingredient and is considered safe when consumed in typical amounts. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated citric acid and its salts, and have established acceptable intake levels. There are no widespread controversies regarding its safety at normal consumption levels.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Encapsulated Citric Acid

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ROUSES MARKETS Teriyaki Tasty Snack Stick Other Snacks High in sodium — 31% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 381kcal 23.8Protein 23.8Fat 11.9Carbs Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation Loaded Italian Style Meatballs With Provolone Cheese, Loaded Italian Style Bacon, Sausages & Ribs High in sodium — 29% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 214kcal 15.2Protein 15.2Fat 5.4Carbs DiMario Foods Premium Smoked Pork Snack Stick Other Snacks 214kcal 17.9Protein 14.3Fat 3.6Carbs Fatty Jalapeno Smoked Meat Stick, Jalapeno Sweetwood Cattle Company Fatty Jalapeno Smoked Meat Stick, Jalapeno Other Snacks High in sodium — 28% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 357kcal 23.2Protein 26.8Fat 5.4Carbs Original Smoked Meat Stick, Original Sweetwood Cattle Company Original Smoked Meat Stick, Original Other Snacks High in sodium — 32% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 357kcal 23.2Protein 26.8Fat 3.6Carbs Honey BBQ Smoked Meat Stick, Honey BBQ Sweetwood Cattle Company Honey BBQ Smoked Meat Stick, Honey BBQ Other Snacks High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 375kcal 19.6Protein 23.2Fat 19.6Carbs Reinneck Ranch Inc. Hickory Smoked Meat Snack Stick Salsa Rose, Salsa Other Snacks 250kcal 14.3Protein 17.9Fat 3.6Carbs Fair Market, Inc. Popcorn Chicken Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 33% DV per serving 190kcal 13.1Protein 14.3Fat 15.5Carbs Any River Entertainment, Inc. Italiano Parmesan Chicken Smoked Snack Sticks, Italiano Parmesan Chicken Other Snacks 214kcal 28.6Protein 7.1Fat 0Carbs Any River Entertainment, Inc. Big Daddy's, Smoked Chicken Snack Sticks, Original, Original Other Snacks 157kcal 28.6Protein 7.1Fat 0Carbs Any River Entertainment, Inc. Flamin' Blue Buffalo Chicken Smoked Snack Sticks, Flamin' Blue Buffalo Chicken Other Snacks 179kcal 28.6Protein 7.1Fat 0Carbs DiMario Foods Premium Smoked Pork Snack Stick, Garlic & Fennel Other Snacks 214kcal 17.9Protein 14.3Fat 3.6Carbs
Water (101 products) Sea Salt (84 products) Spices (77 products) Salt (72 products) Pork (64 products) Celery Powder (63 products) Sugar (62 products) Cultured Celery Powder (54 products) Garlic Powder (40 products) Sodium Nitrite (40 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.