E330

E330 , Citric Acid

Low risk acidulant

Why this classification

Safe. Naturally present in citrus. Produced industrially from Aspergillus niger.

Products containing E330

Common uses in industrial food

Citric Acid (E330) is used by food manufacturers for adjusting the acidity to a target pH, used in sodas, candies, jams and dairy desserts. It is most often listed in the ingredient panel as E330, Citric Acid, or under one of its trade names. On a NutriDécrypte product page, this additive contributes to the additives axis (20% of the overall A to E grade), and triggers a label warning when its EFSA risk level is medium or high.

If you want to limit your exposure to this additive, the simplest tactic is to read the ingredients list (not just the front-of-pack), and to favour products graded A or B in our independent catalog. Less processed, NOVA-1 or NOVA-2 categories rarely contain it.

Frequently asked questions

Is E330 (Citric Acid) safe?

EFSA classifies the risk level of E330 as low risk in its latest review. Always read the latest official opinion before drawing conclusions for your own diet, and consult a registered dietitian for medical questions.

What is E330 typically used for?

Food manufacturers use Citric Acid primarily for adjusting the acidity to a target pH, used in sodas, candies, jams and dairy desserts. You will most often find it in ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4) and rarely in unprocessed or minimally processed products (NOVA 1 or 2).

How can I avoid E330 on a label?

Look for the code E330 or its full name Citric Acid in the ingredients list, usually printed in small font on the back of the pack. Cooking from raw ingredients, choosing NOVA-1 or NOVA-2 alternatives, and using the NutriDécrypte rankings to filter by grade A or B are the three most reliable strategies.