E-number  · E330

E330 — Citric Acid

Citric acid. Produced industrially from mould fermentation of sugar. Vegan.

The entry Reference notes, kept short.

What it is

E330 is citric acid. Despite the name suggesting citrus fruit, commercial production is by fermenting sugar (corn, sugar beet) with the mould Aspergillus niger.

Why it matters

The most widely-used food additive in the world after salt and sugar. Acidity regulator, preservative, flavour enhancer, chelating agent. In nearly every processed food.

What to do

Always vegan. The related citrate salts (E331 sodium, E332 potassium, E333 calcium) are likewise vegan.

Sources Where the entry is drawn from.
  • Vegan Society additives database