Ingredient

Food Acids

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Allergen

Role in food

Food acids are primarily used to enhance or impart tartness and flavor in foods …

What it is

Food acids are organic compounds that occur naturally in fruits and vegetables. They are often produced industrially through fermentation or chemical synthesis for use in food. Common examples include citric acid, malic acid, and lactic acid.

Why it's used

Food acids are primarily used to enhance or impart tartness and flavor in foods and beverages. They also act as preservatives by lowering pH, which inhibits microbial growth. You'll find them in candies, soft drinks, jams, jellies, and dairy products.

Health notes

In the US, many food acids are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. They are essential in the body for metabolic processes. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated many food acids and established acceptable daily intake levels. At typical consumption levels, they are considered safe. Some research has explored their role in gut health, but more studies are needed.

Allergen info

Most common food acids are not derived from major allergens. However, some may be produced using fermentation processes that involve allergens, or derived from allergenic sources like corn or wheat. Always check product labels for specific allergen information.

Products containing Food Acids

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AYAM BRAND Ayam Brand, Sardines In Teriyaki Sauce Canned Seafood 196kcal 17.9Protein 8.9Fat 8.9Carbs DRE Medical Group, Inc. Elite, Must, Fruit Flavored Sugar Free Chewing Gum, Orange Banana, Orange Banana Chewing Gum & Mints 143kcal 0Protein 0Fat 71.4Carbs Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Wegmans, Small Curd Cottage Cheese, Pineapple, Pineapple Cheese 88kcal 8.0Protein 0Fat 14.2Carbs Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Small Curd Cottage Cheese Cheese 71kcal 9.7Protein 0.9Fat 5.3Carbs

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Wegmans, Cottage Cheese Cheese 62kcal 9.7Protein 0Fat 5.3Carbs Mooresville Ice Cream LLC Carolina Churned Ice Cream, Caroline's Coffee & Caramel, Caroline's Coffee & Caramel Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 153kcal 2.5Protein 8.5Fat 17.8Carbs Asael Farr & Sons Company Farr Better, Frozen Custard, Black Raspberry, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Other Frozen Desserts High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 32% DV per serving 243kcal 4.7Protein 13.1Fat 27.1Carbs Wells Enterprises, Inc. Premium Banana Split Ice Cream, Vanilla, Strawberry, Banana Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 216kcal 4.0Protein 9.5Fat 28.4Carbs G.D. Roberts & Company Inc The Snap Of Belgian Chocolate In Soft Aussie Liquorice!, Mango & White Chocolate Candy 393kcal 3.6Protein 8.6Fat 75Carbs Wells Enterprises, Inc. Blue Bunny, Premium Ice Cream, Banana Split Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 216kcal 4.0Protein 9.5Fat 28.4Carbs Lovin' Scoopful LLC Lovin, Gourmet Light Ice Cream Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 194kcal 3.2Protein 5.7Fat 33.9Carbs Waggoner Chocolates Waggoner Chocolates, Spring Buckeyes - Quality Chocolates Candy 531kcal 8.8Protein 31.0Fat 53.1Carbs

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.