Ingredient

For Tartness

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add citric acid to provide a tart, sour taste and to act as …

What it is

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. It is produced commercially through the fermentation of carbohydrates, typically from corn or sugar beets, using a specific strain of the mold Aspergillus niger.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add citric acid to provide a tart, sour taste and to act as a preservative by lowering pH. It is commonly found in beverages, candies, jams, jellies, and canned fruits and vegetables to enhance flavor and extend shelf life.

Health notes

Citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It plays a role in the body's energy production cycle (Krebs cycle). International bodies like JECFA have evaluated citric acid and established acceptable daily intake levels. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical dietary intake.

Allergen info

Citric acid is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Products containing For Tartness

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Purple Corn Pudding Mix UNIVERSAL Purple Corn Pudding Mix Puddings & Custards 374kcal 0Protein 0Fat 93.5Carbs SUNRYPE Apple Strawberry Watermelon 100% Fruit Strip Wholesome Snacks 357kcal 0Protein 0Fat 85.7Carbs SUNRYPE Fruit Plus Veggies Juice Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 46kcal 0.4Protein 0Fat 11.2Carbs Hy-Vee, Inc. Gelatin Dessert Gelatin, Gels, Pectins & Desserts 333kcal 33.3Protein 0Fat 33.3Carbs SHURFINE Orange Gelatin Dessert, Orange Gelatin, Gels, Pectins & Desserts 381kcal 4.8Protein 0Fat 90.5Carbs SHURFINE Lime Gelatin Dessert, Lime Gelatin, Gels, Pectins & Desserts 381kcal 4.8Protein 0Fat 90.5Carbs SHURFINE Strawberry Gelatin Dessert, Strawberry Gelatin, Gels, Pectins & Desserts 381kcal 4.8Protein 0Fat 90.5Carbs SHURFINE Cherry Gelatin Dessert, Cherry Gelatin, Gels, Pectins & Desserts 381kcal 4.8Protein 0Fat 90.5Carbs SHURFINE Raspberry Sugar Free Low Calorie Gelatin Dessert, Raspberry Gelatin, Gels, Pectins & Desserts 333kcal 33.3Protein 0Fat 33.3Carbs SHURFINE Raspberry Gelatin Dessert Gelatin, Gels, Pectins & Desserts 381kcal 4.8Protein 0Fat 90.5Carbs NATURE'S NECTAR White Grape 100% Juice, White Grape Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 62kcal 0Protein 0Fat 15.8Carbs Hormel Foods Corporation Bubblegum Gelatin Dessert, Bubblegum Gelatin, Gels, Pectins & Desserts 381kcal 4.8Protein —Fat 90.5Carbs
Gelatin (289 products) Sugar (262 products) Adipic Acid (256 products) Controls Acidity (243 products) Sodium Citrate (241 products) Salt (231 products) Fumaric Acid (210 products) Citric Acid (207 products) Red 40 (190 products) Prevents Foam (187 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.