Ingredient · E331

Sodium Citric

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Sodium citrate is used as a flavoring agent, a preservative, and an emulsifier. It …

What it is

Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid. It is a white crystalline powder that is odorless and has a strong, tart, salty taste. It is produced by the neutralization of citric acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.

Why it's used

Sodium citrate is used as a flavoring agent, a preservative, and an emulsifier. It helps to prevent spoilage and maintain a consistent texture in many foods. It is commonly found in dairy products, jams, jellies, and baked goods.

Health notes

Sodium citrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is used to control acidity and as an emulsifier. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated sodium citrate. At typical consumption levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Sodium Citric

Compare 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.