Learn Glossary acidulant

Sodium Citrate(E331)

Level 3ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary2 sources

Sodium Citrate is a acidulant — Emulsifier and buffer to control acidity

What it does

Emulsifier and buffer to control acidity

Where you'll see it

cream, coffee, ice cream, processed cheese, evaporated milk, beverages, jams

What the research says

Can alter urinary excretion of other drugs [salt-sugar-fat] Emulsifying salt paired with sodium phosphate in processed cheese to keep fats blended; also used as anti-caking agent in fructose-based powdered drinks like Tang and Kool-Aid.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: GRAS
  • EU: approved

Sources

  • Salt Sugar Fat (Moss)Chapter 8 (Liquid Gold) and Chapter 6: The emulsifying salts sodium phosphate and sodium citrate were added to create texture
  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): prevents cream plug in cream and feathering when cream is used in coffee