Ingredient · E330

Spices Citric Acid

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Citric acid is widely used as a flavoring agent and preservative in foods and …

What it is

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and limes. It is commercially produced through the fermentation of carbohydrates by microorganisms, most commonly Aspergillus niger. The resulting product is a white crystalline powder.

Why it's used

Citric acid is widely used as a flavoring agent and preservative in foods and beverages. It provides a tart, sour taste and helps to enhance the effectiveness of antioxidants. It is commonly found in soft drinks, candies, jams, jellies, and processed fruits and vegetables.

Health notes

In the United States, citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is also approved as a food additive. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated citric acid, and it is considered safe for consumption at typical dietary levels. There are no widespread controversies regarding its health effects at these levels.

Allergen info

Citric acid is not derived from any of the 9 major allergens recognized by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Spices Citric Acid

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Virginia Honey Company, Inc. Original Marinade Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 200kcal 0Protein 16.7Fat 13.3Carbs Seafood & Shrimp Salad Lakeview Farms, LLC Seafood & Shrimp Salad Deli Salads High in sodium — 24% DV per serving 270kcal 4Protein 20Fat 13Carbs Bellisio Foods Inc Chili's, Cheesy Chicken Pasta Florentine, Grilled White Chicken & Pasta With Black Beans And Corn In A Jalapeno Spinach Sauce Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 35% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 24% DV per serving 148kcal 9.5Protein 5.3Fat 14.8Carbs Nestle Usa-Frozen Food Division Roasted Chicken With Lemon Pepper Fettuccini With White Meat Chicken, Vegetables And Aged Parmesan & Romano Cheeses, Roasted Chicken With Lemon Pepper Fettuccini Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 96kcal 7.0Protein 2.2Fat 12.2Carbs Nash Finch Company Traditional Pasta Sauce, Traditional Prepared Pasta & Pizza Sauces High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 47kcal 1.6Protein 1.2Fat 8.6Carbs Piggly Wiggly Company Candied Yams Canned Vegetables High in added sugars — 64% DV per serving 150kcal 0.8Protein 0Fat 36.8Carbs Naturipe Farms, LLC Bold 'N Spicy Grapes, Chili Mango Cashews, Pepper Jack Cheese, Bold 'N Spicy Lunch Snacks & Combinations High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 205kcal 7.7Protein 13.5Fat 17.9Carbs Roasted Red Pepper Soupe, Roasted Red Pepper La Madeleine Inc. Roasted Red Pepper Soupe, Roasted Red Pepper Other Soups High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 65kcal 1.2Protein 2.9Fat 8.2Carbs Gourmet Gardens Speciality Foods, Inc. Tacoma Boys, Portobello Mushroom Pasta Sauce Prepared Pasta & Pizza Sauces 58kcal 1.7Protein 0.8Fat 11.7Carbs Roasted Red Pepper Soupe, Roasted Red Pepper La Madeleine Inc. Roasted Red Pepper Soupe, Roasted Red Pepper Other Soups High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 65kcal 1.2Protein 2.9Fat 8.2Carbs Southeastern Mills Inc. Better Than Bouillon Culinary Collection Adobo Base, 8 Oz Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 83kcal 0Protein 0Fat 16.7Carbs Target Stores Traditional Flavored With Meat Pasta Sauce, Traditional Meat Prepared Pasta & Pizza Sauces High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 55kcal 1.6Protein 1.9Fat 8.6Carbs
Salt (12 products) Sugar (10 products) Water (9 products) Maltodextrin (6 products) Garlic (5 products) Onion Powder (4 products) Onion (4 products) Basil (4 products) Celery (4 products) Olive Oil (3 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.