Ingredient

Freshness Preserved With

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
It is used as a preservative and acidity regulator in packaged foods. It helps …

What it is

This ingredient is a combination of citric acid and sodium citrate. Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits. Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid, made by neutralizing citric acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.

Why it's used

It is used as a preservative and acidity regulator in packaged foods. It helps maintain a consistent pH level, which can prevent spoilage and improve flavor. It is often found in vegetable mixes, potato products, and dairy-based dishes.

Health notes

In the US, citric acid and sodium citrate are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. Both have been evaluated by JECFA and EFSA. At typical consumption levels found in food, they are not associated with adverse health effects. There are no widespread controversies regarding their use in food.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen. Citric acid can sometimes be derived from corn or other sources, but the final products do not contain corn protein.

Products containing Freshness Preserved With

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Basic American Foods, Inc. Veggie Hashbrowns Potatoes With Carrots & Bell Peppers, Carrots & Bell Peppers French Fries, Potatoes & Onion Rings 381kcal 9.5Protein 2.4Fat 76.2Carbs Four Cheese Mashed Idaho Potatoes Blended With Cheddar, Romano, Parmesan & Blue Cheeses, Four Cheese Basic American Foods, Inc. Four Cheese Mashed Idaho Potatoes Blended With Cheddar, Romano, Parmesan & Blue Cheeses, Four Cheese Vegetable and Lentil Mixes High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 370kcal 7.4Protein 5.6Fat 70.4Carbs Sweet Potato Mash, Sweet Basic American Foods, Inc. Sweet Potato Mash, Sweet Vegetable and Lentil Mixes 378kcal 5.4Protein 4.0Fat 83.8Carbs Supreme Baked Mashed Idaho Potatoes Blended With Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Butter & Chives, Supreme Baked Basic American Foods, Inc. Supreme Baked Mashed Idaho Potatoes Blended With Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Butter & Chives, Supreme Baked Vegetable and Lentil Mixes High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 370kcal 11.1Protein 5.6Fat 70.4Carbs Country Buttered Mashed Potatoes, Country Buttered Basic American Foods, Inc. Country Buttered Mashed Potatoes, Country Buttered Vegetable and Lentil Mixes High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 393kcal 7.1Protein 8.9Fat 67.9Carbs Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Garlic Basic American Foods, Inc. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Garlic Vegetable and Lentil Mixes High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 393kcal 7.1Protein 7.1Fat 71.4Carbs Potato Cheddar Bacon Tots, Potato Cheddar Stuffed Foods LLC Potato Cheddar Bacon Tots, Potato Cheddar French Fries, Potatoes & Onion Rings High in sodium — 24% DV per serving 200kcal 8.2Protein 8.2Fat 22.4Carbs Stuffed Foods LLC Potato Cheddar Bacon Tots, Potato Cheddar French Fries, Potatoes & Onion Rings High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 224kcal 9.4Protein 10.6Fat 21.2Carbs
Salt (8 products) Mono- And Diglycerides (8 products) Sodium Bisulfite (8 products) Canola Oil (7 products) Citric Acid (7 products) Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (6 products) Natural Flavors (5 products) BHT (5 products) Sugar (5 products) Idaho Potatoes (5 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.