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Citric Acid

What is Citric Acid?

Citric acid is a naturally and synthetically (see below) sourced ingredient used in foods as a preservative or flavoring.

Synthetic Citric Acid

Citric acid is also produced synthetically using Aspergillus niger, a safe strain of black mold. Synthetic citric acid is much cheaper to produce it this way than to use the natural version. [1]



History

Citric acid was discovered in 1784 by Carl Wilhelm, a Swedish Chemist. [2]

Historically the use of citric acid in modern day food has grown about 5 percent every year. [2]

Other Ingredient Information

Products containing Citric Acid


The percentage represents the approximate total number of food products from UPC Food Search's data that contain the ingredient, "Citric Acid".
The data is calculated from UPC Food Search's product data only, and is not meant to reflect all food products regionally or globally.

Source(s) Derived From

 Plant Sources, Chemical (Synthetic) Sources

Citric acid can be found naturally from many fruits such as citrus fruits. It can also be obtained synthetically using Aspergillus niger, a safe strain of black mold. [1]

Natural or Artificial?

 Both (Can be derived from Natural & Artificial Sources)

References

Aliases (Also Known As)


 Acidity Regulator E330
Beet Sugar Citric Acid
Citric Acid Anhydrous
Natural Citric Acid
Naturally Derived Citric Acid

Color Key - (Click/Tap to View) Dash

  • Natural
  • Natural & Possibly Unsafe
  • Artificial
  • Artificial & Possibly Unsafe
  • Both (Can be derived from Natural & Artificial Sources)
  • Both (Can be derived from Natural & Artificial Sources) & Possibly Unsafe

Revision History

Action User Date/Time
Ingredient updatedUPC Food SearchFebruary 17, 2019 @ 10:24 AM
Ingredient addedUPC Food SearchJanuary 1, 2009 @ 2:14 AM

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