E331 Sodium Citrate

E331Acidity regulatorsOrigin: Mineral

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VeganYes

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Great for keto cheese sauce.

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

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

94/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE331

Comes fromMineral

What it doesAcidity regulators

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledSodium citrate, Trisodium citrate

Make silky cheese sauce at home

For your pantry

Food-grade pouch

Food-grade sodium citrate

Use about 4% of the cheese's weight (11 g per 285 g cheese).

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Precision tool

0.01 g digital micro scale

Getting the ratio right is the whole trick.

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Recipe book

Modernist Cuisine at Home

The book that made sodium citrate cheese sauce famous.

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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?

Sodium citrate is a salty-sour salt. In cheese it swaps out calcium, so the proteins melt into a smooth sauce instead of clumping.

Where it comes from: Made by neutralizing citric acid with sodium carbonate or hydroxide.

Why it’s in food

Makes processed cheese and cheese sauce melt smoothly
Controls acidity in soft drinks
Adds a mild salty-sour taste

Often found in

Cheese slicesNacho cheese sauceSoft drinksGelatin desserts

Also listed as: Sodium citrate, Trisodium citrate, Sour salt sodium

Health & gut impact

SafetyBenefit

Well tolerated; it's even used to treat kidney stones.

EFSA Journal 2018

SodiumConcern

Adds a little sodium.

USDA FoodData Central

What can I use instead?

Evaporated milk

Ratio: Replace part of the liquid

Best for: Smoother mac and cheese

More acidity regulators:

Citric Acid E330Citric acid (E330) is the sour acid of lemons, made by fermentation. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Sodium Citrate safe?

Generally safe (94/100). Approved everywhere with no limit.

Is Sodium Citrate vegan?

Yes.

Is Sodium Citrate gluten-free?