Product code: P0330
Citric acid (E 330) is an additive but it is naturally found in citrus fruits. Commercially it is produced using microbial fermentation. It gives citrus fruits their tart flavour. 'Acids' are substances which increase the acidity of a food stuff and impart a sour taste to it. The reason why it is considered an additive rather than a flavouring is because the EU regulation on flavourings does not apply to substances which have an exclusively sour taste. The maximum levels can therefore be found in the food additives regulation (Regulation 1333/2008).
Sports Nutrition
Citric acid will commonly be found in products such as flavoured amino acid and pre-workout blends that are flavoured with a citrus flavour. For berry and apple flavour products, malic acid would often be used to complement these flavours.
Beverages
Citric acid can be a useful ingredient when producing reduced sugar beverages. For example, many reduced sugar juice drinks have a lower juice content; the sweetness is maintained through the use of low calorie sweeteners and then the tartness is replaced through the use of acids such as citric acid. Citric acid might also be used in beverages as an acidity regulator (to alter/control the pH of the beverage). This might be done to maintain a pH low enough to prevent microbial growth, thus extending the shelf life.
Other uses
With an increasing awareness of the environmental impact of cleaning products, citric acid has now become popular as a simple yet effective multipurpose cleaning product that can be used for a wide range of house hold jobs. Many people love it simplicity and its versatility. It is also found in a lot of cosmetic products and is a key ingredient that gives bath bombs their fizz. Citric acid is considered to be an excellent chelating agent, meaning that it can help with the production of certain mineral compounds.
Nutrition Information for Citric Acid
In terms of its nutrition information, as per Regulation 1169/2011, the energy value to be declared for organic acids is 13kJ/g (3kcal/g). There are no grams or fat, carbohydrate, fibre, protein or salt per 100g for this ingredient.
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