Digestoa
Additive · Acidity regulator

Lactic acid (E270)

Lactic acid (E270) is an acidity regulator that Digestoa rates as low concern — it's considered safe at the levels used in food.

Digestoa riskNo known risk
TypeAcidity regulator
Found insoft drinks, sweets, sauces, processed cheese and canned foods

What is Lactic acid?

Lactic acid (E270) is an acidity regulator — used to control acidity and balance flavour.

Is Lactic acid bad for you?

Lactic acid is permitted in food and Digestoa rates it as low concern. There's no strong evidence it causes harm at the levels typically used in food.

What foods contain Lactic acid?

Soft drinks, sweets, sauces, processed cheese and canned foods.

Digestoa's take

You don't need to avoid Lactic acid. It's one of the more benign things on an ingredients list — worth knowing, not worth worrying about.

Safer swaps

Choose less-processed products with short, recognisable ingredient lists.

Frequently asked questions

Is E270 the same as Lactic acid?
Yes — E270 is the international additive (E-number) code for Lactic acid.
Is Lactic acid bad for you?
Digestoa rates Lactic acid (E270) as low concern. It's permitted in food and considered safe at normal dietary levels.
What are the side effects of Lactic acid?
No significant side effects are associated with Lactic acid at the levels used in food.
What foods contain Lactic acid?
Soft drinks, sweets, sauces, processed cheese and canned foods.
How can I avoid Lactic acid?
Check the ingredients list for "Lactic acid" or "E270", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related acidity regulator additives

Phosphoric acid (E338)Sodium phosphates (E339)Potassium phosphates (E340)Calcium phosphates (E341)Sodium lactate (E325)Citric acid (E330)

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.