E330 Citric Acid

E330Acidity regulatorsOrigin: Fermented

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Every diet

VeganYes

Gluten-freeYes

Even when the sugar comes from wheat, the purified acid has no gluten.

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Citric acid (E330) is the sour acid of lemons, made by fermentation. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly.

96/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE330

Comes fromFermented

What it doesAcidity regulators

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledCitric acid, Sour salt

For canning and home cooking

For your pantry

Food-grade pouch

Food-grade citric acid (1 lb)

For canning, cheese making and sour candy.

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Precision tool

0.01 g digital micro scale

Small amounts make a big difference in taste.

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Canning kit

Water-bath canning starter kit

Citric acid makes tomatoes safe to can.

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved everywhere with no limit.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Citric acid is the same acid found in citrus fruit. Almost all of it is made by fermentation because extracting it from lemons is too expensive.

Where it comes from: Made by fermenting sugar with Aspergillus niger mold, then purifying the acid into crystals.

Why it’s in food

Adds a sour, fresh taste
Helps preserve canned food
Stops cut fruit browning

Often found in

Soft drinksCandyCanned tomatoesJams

Also listed as: Citric acid, Sour salt, Anhydrous citric acid

Health & gut impact

SafetyBenefit

Your body makes and uses citric acid every day.

EFSA (2014)

TeethConcern

Like any acid, frequent sipping can wear tooth enamel.

British Dental Journal (2010)

What can I use instead?

Lemon juice

Ratio: 1/4 tsp citric acid ≈ 1 tbsp lemon juice

Best for: Most recipes

More acidity regulators:

Sodium Citrate E331Sodium citrate (E331) is a salt of citric acid that makes cheese melt silky-smooth. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Citric Acid safe?

Generally safe (96/100). Approved everywhere with no limit.

Is Citric Acid vegan?

Yes.

Is Citric Acid gluten-free?

Yes. Even when the sugar comes from wheat, the purified acid has no gluten.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 184.1033 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E330
EFSA (2014)
British Dental Journal (2010)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 330 · CAS 77-92-9