Ingredient

Provides Tartness

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add citric acid to foods and beverages primarily to provide a tart, sour …

What it is

Citric acid is a weak organic acid that occurs naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. It is produced industrially through the fermentation of carbohydrate feedstocks, such as corn starch, using specific strains of the mold Aspergillus niger.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add citric acid to foods and beverages primarily to provide a tart, sour taste and to act as an acidity regulator. It helps to enhance flavors, preserve foods by lowering pH, and can also function as an antioxidant.

Health notes

Citric acid is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a natural component of the body's energy production cycle. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated citric acid and found it to be safe for consumption. At typical dietary levels, it poses no known health risks.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Provides Tartness

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ZUKO Lemonade Powdered Drinks 367kcal 0Protein 0Fat 83.3Carbs Zico Beverages, LLC Zico, Coconut Water, Pineapple Plant Based Water 16kcal 0Protein 0Fat 3.4Carbs The Minute Maid Company Light Lemonade Soda 1kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0.6Carbs The Minute Maid Company Pink Lemonade Soda 42kcal 0Protein 0Fat 11.8Carbs The Minute Maid Company Minute Maid, Sparkling Juice Drink, Tropical Citrus Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 8kcal 0Protein 0Fat 1.8Carbs The Minute Maid Company Lemonade Soda 42kcal 0Protein 0Fat 11.8Carbs Minute Maid, Sparkling Juice Drink, Fruit Punch The Minute Maid Company Minute Maid, Sparkling Juice Drink, Fruit Punch Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 7kcal 0Protein 0Fat 1.6Carbs The Minute Maid Company Minute Maid, Sparkling Juice Drink, Mixed Berry, Mixed Berry Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 6kcal 0Protein 0Fat 1.6Carbs The Coca-Cola Company-0049000000016 Minute Maid Cranberry Grape Bottle, 12 fl oz Non Alcoholic Beverages Ready to Drink 53kcal 0Protein 0Fat 13.9Carbs Western Family Foods, Inc. Western Family, Coolers Sugar Sweetened Soft Drink Mix, Pink Lemonade Powdered Drinks 353kcal 0Protein 0Fat 94.1Carbs Country Time, Drink Mix, Lemonade, Lemonade Kraft Heinz Foods Company Country Time, Drink Mix, Lemonade, Lemonade Powdered Drinks 350kcal 0Protein 0Fat 90Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Strawberry Drink Mix Powdered Drinks 353kcal 0Protein 0Fat 94.1Carbs
Citric Acid (232 products) Natural Flavors (165 products) Ascorbic Acid (137 products) Sugar (83 products) Sucralose (66 products) Pure Filtered Water (62 products) High Fructose Corn Syrup (61 products) Filtered Water (51 products) Acesulfame Potassium (50 products) Maltodextrin (48 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.