Ingredient · E330

With Citric Acid Added

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
Manufacturers add citric acid primarily to enhance flavor by providing a tart or sour …

What it is

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. It is commonly produced commercially through the fermentation of a sugar source, such as corn or sugarcane, by a specific type of mold (Aspergillus niger). The resulting acid is then purified and crystallized.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add citric acid primarily to enhance flavor by providing a tart or sour taste. It also acts as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and molds, and as an antioxidant to prevent spoilage. It's frequently used in beverages, candies, jams, jellies, and canned fruits and vegetables.

Health notes

In the U.S., citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is a common component of the human diet and is metabolized through normal body processes. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated citric acid and its salts, finding them safe for consumption. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical dietary intake.

Allergen info

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

Products containing With Citric Acid Added

Compare products →
Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. Italian Style Grilled Panini Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 67% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 300kcal 14.1Protein 14.7Fat 27.1Carbs Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. Calzone Steak & Cheese Pizza High in sodium — 40% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 265kcal 13.5Protein 12.3Fat 24.1Carbs Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. Pepperoni Stromboli Other Deli High in sodium — 81% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 80% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 28% DV per serving 323kcal 16.7Protein 18.7Fat 23.2Carbs Palermo Villa Inc. Holy Pepperoni Stromboli Pizza High in sodium — 48% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving 315kcal 14.6Protein 17.7Fat 23.9Carbs Palermo Villa Inc. Pepperoni & Italian Sausage Stromboli Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 38% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 277kcal 13.1Protein 13.8Fat 24.6Carbs Superior Brokerage Inc. Superior Snacks, Grab & Go Salted Sunflower Kernels Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 633kcal 23.3Protein 60Fat 13.3Carbs Hickory Harvest Foods Hickory Harvest Foods, Salted Sunflower Kernels Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 633kcal 23.3Protein 60Fat 13.3Carbs Auntie Anne's, Inc. Pretzel Pocket Sandwich Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 275kcal 13.1Protein 10.5Fat 31.4Carbs Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. Steak & Cheese Steak, Peppers, Onion And Provolone In A Golden Pocket Calzone, Steak & Cheese Pizza High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 271kcal 14.1Protein 12.3Fat 24.7Carbs Nathan's Famous Services, Inc. Beef Pretzel Dogs Hot Dogs Wrapped In Pretzel Dough, Beef Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 44% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 288kcal 10.6Protein 16.7Fat 22.0Carbs Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. Italian-Style Meat Trio Panini Grilled Sandwich Stuffed With Ham, Pepperoni, Salami And Provolone, Sprinkled With Grated Parmesan, Grated Romano, Parsley And Oregano, Italian-Style Meat Trio Panini Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 71% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 308kcal 13.6Protein 16.2Fat 26.8Carbs Harris-Teeter Inc. Supreme Loaded With Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Peppers, Onions, Olives And Cheeses Galore! Take And Bake Pizza, Supreme Other Deli High in sodium — 38% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 247kcal 10.3Protein 10.3Fat 28.1Carbs

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.