Ingredient · E330

Preservative Citric Acid

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use citric acid primarily as an acidity regulator, preservative, and flavoring agent. It …

What is Preservative Citric Acid?

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and limes. Industrially, it is produced by fermenting a sugar source, typically from corn, with a specific mold (Aspergillus niger). It is a common food ingredient used for its tart flavor and preservative qualities.

Is Preservative Citric Acid vegan?

Preservative Citric Acid is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Preservative Citric Acid gluten-free?

It does not contain gluten.

Is Preservative Citric Acid a major allergen?

Citric acid is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens.

What is Preservative Citric Acid used for?

Manufacturers use citric acid primarily as an acidity regulator, preservative, and flavoring agent.

Is Preservative Citric Acid safe?

Citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use citric acid primarily as an acidity regulator, preservative, and flavoring agent. It adds a sour or tart taste to foods and beverages and helps prevent spoilage by inhibiting microbial growth. It is commonly found in candies, jams, jellies, soft drinks, and processed foods.

Health notes

Citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a natural component of metabolism and is safely processed by the body. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated citric acid and found it safe for consumption. No significant health concerns are associated with its typical intake in food.

Allergen info

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

Foods that contain Preservative Citric Acid

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Birthday Cake Flavored Caramel Corn, Birthday Cake Peoria Medical Society Birthday Cake Flavored Caramel Corn, Birthday Cake Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in added sugars — 36% DV per serving 467kcal 3.3Protein 20Fat 73.3Carbs Marble Fudge Vanilla Frozen Dairy Dessert With Fudge Swirls, Marble Fudge Safeway, Inc. Marble Fudge Vanilla Frozen Dairy Dessert With Fudge Swirls, Marble Fudge Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in added sugars — 32% DV per serving 163kcal 3.5Protein 3.5Fat 31.4Carbs CREATE -A- TREAT Assorted Candy Barbie Cookies, Assorted Candy Cookies & Biscuits High in added sugars — 32% DV per serving 395kcal 4.7Protein 11.6Fat 69.8Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Mild Salsa Dips & Salsa 18kcal 0Protein 0Fat 7.1Carbs Harris-Teeter Inc. Quick N' Cheesy Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, Quick N' Cheesy Pasta Dinners High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 377kcal 11.5Protein 5.7Fat 70.5Carbs iBakeFoods Spring Thumbprint Cookies Cookies & Biscuits High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 464kcal 3.6Protein 21.4Fat 60.7Carbs FRESH IDEATION FOOD GROUP LLC Greek Salad W/Dressing, Greek Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 53% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 109kcal 4.0Protein 8.4Fat 6.2Carbs Jerry's Enterprises Inc. Cheese Danish Coffee Cake, Cheese Danish Coffee Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 340kcal 6Protein 18Fat 42Carbs The Moran Group Incorporated Tubz Old Fashioned Root Beer, Tubz Old Fashioned Soda High in added sugars — 82% DV per serving 47kcal 0Protein 0Fat 11.9Carbs Welch Foods Inc White Grape Juice, White Grape Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 61kcal 0.3Protein 0Fat 15.2Carbs Target Stores Cookie Kit Cookies & Biscuits 425kcal 3.5Protein 11.5Fat 78.2Carbs

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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.