Ingredient

Fruit Acid

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Fruit acids are primarily used to add a tart or sour flavor to foods …

What it is

Fruit acid is a general term for acids naturally found in fruits. These are often citric acid (from citrus fruits), malic acid (from apples), or tartaric acid (from grapes). They can be produced industrially through fermentation or chemical synthesis.

Why it's used

Fruit acids are primarily used to add a tart or sour flavor to foods and beverages. They also act as preservatives by lowering pH, and can help in gelling and thickening, especially in jams and jellies. You'll find them in fruit spreads, candies, baked goods, and drinks.

Health notes

Fruit acids like citric acid are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. They are naturally present in many foods and play a role in metabolism. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated various fruit acids, often setting acceptable daily intakes. At typical consumption levels found in food, they are not associated with adverse health effects.

Allergen info

Fruit acids are not derived from any of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. They do not contain gluten.

Products containing Fruit Acid

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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.