Ingredient

Sorbic And Citric Acid

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
This combination primarily acts as a preservative to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, …

What it is

Sorbic acid and citric acid are often used together as a pair of food additives. Sorbic acid is a synthetic compound that is chemically similar to naturally occurring fatty acids. Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits.

Why it's used

This combination primarily acts as a preservative to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria, extending the shelf life of foods. They are commonly found in baked goods, dairy products, beverages, and processed fruits and vegetables.

Health notes

Both sorbic acid and citric acid are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as food additives. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated them. While generally considered safe in typical food amounts, some individuals may experience mild digestive upset. Evidence does not suggest significant health risks at these levels.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen. Citric acid can be derived from corn or other sources, but sorbic acid is synthetic.

Products containing Sorbic And Citric Acid

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.