Acidulants
Malic Acid
Acidulant valued for smooth, long-lasting sourness across confectionery and beverages.
ConfectioneryBeverage
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Acidulant
Citric Acid (E330)
Citric Acid is one of the world's most widely used food acidulants, valued for its bright sourness, pH adjustment and versatility across beverage, confectionery, dairy and processed food applications.
Acidulant
E330
Quick Overview
CategoryAcidulant
E NumberE330
OriginFermentation
Primary FunctionsAcidification, pH Control, Flavour Enhancement
Typical IndustriesBeverage, Confectionery, Dairy, Bakery
Available FormsPowder, Granular
Citric Acid is an organic acid naturally present in citrus fruits and widely produced through fermentation for food applications.
In food manufacturing, it is commonly used to adjust acidity, provide a clean sour taste and support product consistency across a wide variety of formulations.
Its versatility makes it one of the most frequently used acidulants in the food industry.
For a more detailed explanation, visit our What is Citric Acid? article in the Knowledge Center.
Key Functional Benefits
Why formulators choose Citric Acid
Bright Sourness
Provides a fresh, clean acidic taste suitable for many food and beverage products.
pH Adjustment
Helps achieve the desired acidity level during formulation.
Flavour Enhancement
Supports overall flavour balance in many applications.
Processing Versatility
Suitable for a broad range of manufacturing processes.
Wide Application Range
Used across numerous food categories.
Consistent Performance
Provides reliable functionality in industrial food production.
Typical Applications
Where Citric Acid performs best
Beverages
Used in soft drinks, fruit beverages and powdered drink mixes.
Confectionery
Provides sourness in gummies, hard candy and other confectionery products.
Dairy
Supports flavour development in selected dairy products.
Bakery
Used where acidity contributes to product performance or flavour.
Functional Foods
Applied in nutritional and specialised food formulations.
Technical Profile
Characteristics & available grades
Technical Characteristics
Rather than focusing on fixed specification values, Citric Acid is generally selected based on its functional performance within a formulation. Typical considerations include:
- High water solubility
- Consistent acidity
- Process compatibility
- Storage stability
- Broad formulation flexibility
Detailed specifications are available upon request.
Available Grades
Depending on the application, Citric Acid is available in different grades designed for specific functional requirements. Typical examples include:
- Anhydrous
- Monohydrate
- Fine Powder
- Granular
- Application-Specific Grades
The most suitable grade depends on the formulation and manufacturing process.
Documentation on Request
Technical Documentation
Technical documents are available upon request, including:
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Product Specification
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA)*
- Allergen Statement
- Non-GMO Statement
- Halal Certificate*
- Kosher Certificate*
*Availability depends on the selected grade and manufacturer.
Why EMTA Kimya
More than an ingredient supplier
Choosing the right ingredient involves more than selecting a product. At EMTA Kimya, we support food manufacturers with:
Reliable Global Sourcing
A vetted international supplier network that keeps quality and supply consistent.
Technical Product Guidance
Support in identifying the ingredient grade best suited to your formulation.
Comprehensive Documentation
Technical documentation shared on request to support your evaluation process.
Flexible Supply Solutions
Sourcing arrangements adapted to your volume and production schedule.
Responsive Commercial Support
A team that responds quickly when you're evaluating or placing an order.
Related Products
Other ingredients to consider
Acidulants
Encapsulated Acidulant
Encapsulated Citric Acid
Controlled-release acidulant designed for delayed acid activation and improved processing.
ConfectioneryChewing Gum
View Product
Hydrocolloids
Gum Arabic
Natural hydrocolloid used for emulsion stability, flavour encapsulation and texture improvement.
ConfectioneryBeverage
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Hydrocolloids
Xanthan Gum
Food grade hydrocolloid that improves viscosity, suspension and product consistency.
SaucesBeverages
View Product
Related Knowledge
Learn more in the Knowledge Center
Application Guides
What is Citric Acid?
Read Article
Ingredient Comparisons
Citric Acid vs Malic Acid
Read Article
Ingredient Comparisons
Encapsulated Citric Acid vs Citric Acid
Read Article
Application Guides
How to Choose the Right Acidulant
Read Article
Glossary
Food Ingredients Glossary
Read Article
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citric Acid used for?
Citric Acid is commonly used for flavour adjustment, pH control and acidification in food and beverage manufacturing.
Is Citric Acid a food additive?
Yes. Citric Acid is approved for food use and is identified as E330.
Which industries use Citric Acid?
It is widely used in beverages, confectionery, dairy products, bakery and processed foods.
Is Citric Acid the same as Malic Acid?
No. Although both are food acidulants, they create different sensory profiles and are selected for different formulation objectives.
How do I choose the right Citric Acid grade?
The appropriate grade depends on the formulation, processing conditions and application. Our technical team can help identify the most suitable option.
Looking for the Right Citric Acid Grade?
Whether your application requires flavour adjustment, pH control or acidification, our team can help identify the most suitable Citric Acid solution for your production process.