Citric acid is a natural, weak, organic acid that is found in many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits.

Citric acid is inherent in many fruits, vegetables, and some living organisms, such as mold, through the citric acid cycle. It is also produced through microbial fermentation.

Citric acids are used as flavor enhancers in beverages to balance the sweetness in drinks such as soft drinks, teas, and juices. Citric acids are also used as a preservative to prevent bacteria growth. Because of this property, citric acids are common in jams, jellies, candy, canned foods, and even meat products as preservatives. It is a dry alternative to lemon juices or vinegar in seasoning salts, flavoring powders, and crunchy snacks.

Common foods that contain citric acid include soft drinks, teas, juices, meats, jams, jellies, candy, canned foods, sea salts, flavoring powders, and crunchy snacks.

Yes, citric acid is considered generally recognized as safe or GRAS in the United States.

Yes, citric acid, a weak acid found in citrus fruits, may be used in organic and vegetarian products. Citric acid may be certified kosher and halal allowing its use in kosher and halal products.

Citric acid can be used in products which revitalize skin, soothe sore throats, and curb nausea.

It can act as an acidity regulator. Acidity regulators affect your metabolism. It also benefits in the production of medicines and the manufacturing of inks and dyes.

Citric acid is necessary in foods and beverages because it affects the metabolism and energy of all living things. It provides antioxidants, detoxification benefits, and is an additive used to enhance the taste of foods and soft drinks.

Citric acid is an additive found in food and water. It biodegrades very easily in the environment. According to the EPA’s R.E.D Fact Sheet, citric acid shows no significant effects should be expected from its use.

Citric acid can be used as a pesticide. It keeps crops clean and free of pests and can act as a preservative to increase the shelf life of foods for transportation and sale.

A: Citric acid can be derived from multiple sources. Depending on the source – citrus fruits, mold, corn, etc. – citric acid can contain GMOs.

Yes, citric acid is safe for children. Citrus fruits are made up of 10% citric acid by weight.

Citric acid has been in foods since the start of the industrial citric acid production in 1890 by the Italian citrus fruit industry. Citric acid was discovered by the 8^th century alchemist Jabir Ibn Hayyan, known as Geber in the western world. It was first isolated and crystalized in 1784 by a Swedish chemist named Carl Wilhelm Scheele.