Sodium Citrate E331
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What it is
Sodium citrate (E331) is the sodium salt of citric acid. It is a white crystalline powder that is odorless and has a tart, salty taste. It is produced commercially by the neutralization of citric acid with a sodium source, such as sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.
Why it's used
Sodium citrate is used as an acidity regulator, emulsifier, and preservative in a wide variety of foods. It helps prevent spoilage, stabilize emulsions (like in cheese spreads), and control pH. It is commonly found in baked goods, jams, jellies, dairy products, and beverages.
Health notes
Sodium citrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food. It is also approved for use as a food additive in Europe and has been evaluated by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). At typical consumption levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects. It is not known to be a significant source of dietary sodium.
Allergen info
Sodium citrate is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.