Safe

Is citric acid bad for you?

E330 · Acidity regulator

No, citric acid is not something to worry about at normal levels. The most-used food acid in the world. Found naturally in lemons and limes. Used for sour taste, preservation, and as a chelating agent in almost every food category.

Is citric acid actually harmful?

Part of your body's central energy cycle (the Krebs cycle), so it gets burned as fuel. No realistic safety concern at food levels. Heavy consumers of acidic drinks can experience tooth enamel erosion over time, but that is the acidity, not the additive itself.

What do regulators say?

EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive with no numerical limit.

So should you avoid it?

Cleared by EFSA with no significant concern at typical dietary exposure. Common, well-studied, and not a reason to put a product back on the shelf.

For the full reference on citric acid, including what it is and where it turns up, see the E330 page. Or scan a product and Yuzu tells you if it's inside.

Frequently asked questions

Is citric acid bad for you?
Part of your body's central energy cycle (the Krebs cycle), so it gets burned as fuel. No realistic safety concern at food levels. Heavy consumers of acidic drinks can experience tooth enamel erosion over time, but that is the acidity, not the additive itself.
What is citric acid?
The main acid in lemons, limes, and other citrus fruit. Produced industrially by fermentation. Used in nearly every soft drink, candy, sauce, and canned good.
Is citric acid safe, according to regulators?
EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive with no numerical limit.
Scan any product and see if citric acid is in it — get Yuzu