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Ingredient Guide

What is Citric acid (E330)?

GoodFood ingredients

Also known as: Citric Acid, E330, Sitrik asit, Limon tuzu

Short answer

Citric acid (E330) is an acid found naturally in lemon and citrus; in food it is used for tartness, adjusting acidity and as a preservative. It is a very common, safe-considered additive with no set daily intake limit. Seeing it on a label is not a cause for concern.

What is Citric acid (E330) and what does it do?

Citric acid takes its name from lemon and occurs naturally in all citrus; industrially it is usually made by fermentation. It gives tartness, preserves color and taste, and balances acidity in drinks, confectionery, canned foods and many products.

Benefits

It is a safe, naturally sourced and multi-functional additive: it adds taste, delays spoilage, and prevents fats going rancid by binding metal ions. It is a familiar molecule that also takes part in the body's energy production (the citric acid cycle).

What to watch for

It has no known notable health risk and EFSA saw no need to set a daily intake limit. One small note: being an acid, very frequent, intense contact (for example constant sour candy or acidic drinks) can contribute to eroding tooth enamel; this is a general dental note true for all food acids.

How to use it

No special precaution is needed; citric acid is a safe additive. For general dental health, simply not consuming acidic drinks and sour candy constantly all day is enough.

Products containing Citric acid (E330)

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Frequently asked

Is citric acid harmful?

No. It is a natural, safe and very common additive; not even a daily intake limit has been set.

Is it natural or artificial?

The molecule occurs naturally in citrus; industrial production is usually by fermentation, and the result is the same molecule.

Does it harm teeth?

Like all food acids, very frequent contact can contribute to enamel erosion; at moderate intake it is not a problem.

Sources

This page is for general information; it is not medical/dietary advice. Personal suitability varies by skin type, allergies and health status.