Ingredient · E330

The Following: Citric Acid

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add citric acid primarily to enhance flavor by providing a tart or sour …

This entry is a label phrase. See the main ingredient page: Citric Acid.

What is The Following: Citric Acid?

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and limes. It is produced commercially through the fermentation of a sugar source, typically using the mold Aspergillus niger. This process yields a white crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water.

Is The Following: Citric Acid vegan?

The Following: Citric Acid is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is The Following: Citric Acid gluten-free?

It does not contain gluten.

Is The Following: Citric Acid a major allergen?

Citric acid is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens.

What is The Following: Citric Acid used for?

Manufacturers add citric acid primarily to enhance flavor by providing a tart or sour taste, and to act as a preservative by lowering pH.

Is The Following: Citric Acid safe?

Citric acid is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add citric acid primarily to enhance flavor by providing a tart or sour taste, and to act as a preservative by lowering pH. It also functions as an acidity regulator, emulsifier, and antioxidant in a wide variety of foods and beverages, including candies, canned goods, and frozen desserts.

Health notes

Citric acid is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated citric acid and found it safe for consumption. At typical dietary levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects. Some people may experience tooth enamel erosion if consuming highly acidic foods and drinks containing citric acid frequently.

Allergen info

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

Foods that contain The Following: Citric Acid

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Original Fruits Chewy Assorted Fruit Flavored Candies, Cherry, Lemon, Strawberry, Lime, Orange Just Born, Inc. Original Fruits Chewy Assorted Fruit Flavored Candies, Cherry, Lemon, Strawberry, Lime, Orange Candy 350kcal 0Protein 0Fat 90Carbs Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, Apple, Black Cherry Extreme Sour Freezer Pops, Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, Apple, Black Cherry The Jel Sert Company Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, Apple, Black Cherry Extreme Sour Freezer Pops, Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, Apple, Black Cherry Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in added sugars — 88% DV per serving 67kcal 0Protein 0Fat 16.6Carbs Easter Treats Candies, Cherry Assorted Fruit Just Born, Inc. Easter Treats Candies, Cherry Assorted Fruit Candy 350kcal 0Protein 0Fat 90Carbs Jelly Beans, Juicy Pear Jelly Belly Candy Company Jelly Beans, Juicy Pear Candy High in added sugars — 42% DV per serving 367kcal 0Protein 0Fat 93.3Carbs Assorted 6 Fruity Flavors Lemon Lime, Orange, Berry Punch, Strawberry, Tropical Punch, Grape Ice Pops, Assorted Lemon Lime, Orange, Berry Punch, Strawberry, Tropical Punch, Grape The Jel Sert Company Assorted 6 Fruity Flavors Lemon Lime, Orange, Berry Punch, Strawberry, Tropical Punch, Grape Ice Pops, Assorted Lemon Lime, Orange, Berry Punch, Strawberry, Tropical Punch, Grape Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 58kcal 0Protein 0Fat 13.9Carbs Hacienda, Authentic Yellow Corn Tortillas Hacienda Mexican Foods L.L.C. Hacienda, Authentic Yellow Corn Tortillas Mexican Dinner Mixes 220kcal 4Protein 3Fat 44Carbs Chewy Assorted Fruit Flavored Candies, Cherry, Lemon, Strawberry, Lime, Orange Just Born, Inc. Chewy Assorted Fruit Flavored Candies, Cherry, Lemon, Strawberry, Lime, Orange Candy 353kcal 0Protein 0Fat 88.2Carbs Fruit Flavored Snacks Sharks, Fruit Save Mart Supermarkets Inc. Fruit Flavored Snacks Sharks, Fruit Candy High in added sugars — 26% DV per serving 308kcal 4.4Protein 0Fat 74.9Carbs Sour Lemon, Sour Berry Blue, Sour Very Cherry, Sour Orange, Sour Green Apple Gummies Sours, Sour Lemon, Sour Berry Blue, Sour Very Cherry, Sour Orange, Sour Green Apple Jelly Belly Candy Company Sour Lemon, Sour Berry Blue, Sour Very Cherry, Sour Orange, Sour Green Apple Gummies Sours, Sour Lemon, Sour Berry Blue, Sour Very Cherry, Sour Orange, Sour Green Apple Candy High in added sugars — 36% DV per serving 344kcal 0Protein 0Fat 84.4Carbs Strawberry Chocolate Dipped Fruit Bars, Strawberry, Chocolate Ahold USA, Inc. Strawberry Chocolate Dipped Fruit Bars, Strawberry, Chocolate Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 186kcal 0Protein 7.6Fat 28.8Carbs Gummi Sharks Candy Hy-Vee, Inc. Gummi Sharks Candy Candy High in added sugars — 34% DV per serving 312kcal 6.2Protein 0Fat 75Carbs Mix It Up Ice Pops, Green Apple & Watermelon, Red & White Cherry, Blue Raspberry & White Cherry, Strawberry & Kiwi J&J Snack Foods Corp Mix It Up Ice Pops, Green Apple & Watermelon, Red & White Cherry, Blue Raspberry & White Cherry, Strawberry & Kiwi Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 73kcal 0Protein 0Fat 18.8Carbs
Citric Acid (104415 products) Vinegar (26272 products) Lactic Acid (21694 products) Sodium Citrate (19046 products) Sodium Phosphate (17303 products) Distilled Vinegar (16009 products) Malic Acid (12241 products) Lemon Juice Concentrate (9648 products)

All acidity regulators →

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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.