Digestoa
Additive · Acidity regulator

Citric acid (E330)

Citric acid (E330) 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 Citric acid?

Citric acid (E330) is an acidity regulator — used to control acidity and balance flavour.

Is Citric acid bad for you?

Citric 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 Citric acid?

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

Digestoa's take

You don't need to avoid Citric 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 E330 the same as Citric acid?
Yes — E330 is the international additive (E-number) code for Citric acid.
Is Citric acid bad for you?
Digestoa rates Citric acid (E330) as low concern. It's permitted in food and considered safe at normal dietary levels.
What are the side effects of Citric acid?
No significant side effects are associated with Citric acid at the levels used in food.
What foods contain Citric acid?
Soft drinks, sweets, sauces, processed cheese and canned foods.
How can I avoid Citric acid?
Check the ingredients list for "Citric acid" or "E330", 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)Sodium citrates (E331)

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