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Citric Acid

Citric Acid is a crystalline powder used as a food acidulant and souring agent in cooking, baking, canning and beverage production; it's commonly labelled E330 or sold as "sour salt." It is very concentrated — 300kcal per 100g — but is typically used in tiny amounts rather than as a bulk ingredient. Nutritionally it provides virtually no protein, fat, fiber or micronutrients and functions solely to add acidity and brighten flavors. Because it contributes acidity without calories or sugar, it can help enhance tartness and may reduce the need for added sugar in recipes, but it isn't a source of nutrients and concentrated forms can irritate the mouth or erode tooth enamel if misused.

Vegan · Lactose free · Gluten free · Ultra-processed · ~0.60€/100g

Kinome Health Grade

D-

Use selectively

-

Nutrition

Macronutrients per selected portion. Averaged from verified sources.

Calories

300 kcal

15% of Daily kcal · energy-dense

Protein

0 g

0% RDI

Fat

0 g

0g sat fat

Carbs

0 g

0% RDI

Sugar

0 g

0% RDI

Fiber

0 g

0% RDI

Salt

0 g

0% RDI

Nutrition quality

Scored against dietary guidelines. Tap rows for a deeper breakdown.

Composite score - weighted by current nutrition science

D- · 3.6 / 10

Healthy alternatives

Ingredients that rank higher on the overall quality profile and might substitute well in some recipes.

Recipes featuring Citric Acid

Top-rated recipes across the kinome library.

All 2 recipes

Frequently asked

Q.01Is Citric Acid healthy?

Citric Acid is rated D- on overall nutritional quality and is best consumed in moderation alongside more nutrient-dense foods.

Q.03What NOVA processing level is Citric Acid?

Citric Acid is NOVA 4 - Ultra-processed.

Q.05Is Citric Acid gluten free?

Yes, Citric Acid is gluten free.

Q.02What are the macros in Citric Acid?

100g of Citric Acid contains 300 kcal, 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, 0g fat, and 0g fiber.

Q.04Is Citric Acid vegan?

Yes, Citric Acid is vegan.

Q.06Is Citric Acid lactose free?

Yes, Citric Acid is lactose free.

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