Food & beverage
Acidulant for taste and pH control in beverages, confectionery, jams and sauces.
Ingredients / Acidulants & pH control / Citric Acid, Anhydrous
Acidulants & pH control
Citric Acid, Anhydrous (E 330)
Citric acid for U.S. manufacturers, from vetted producers. FCC / USP grade on request. Download the sample spec sheet, then send us your grade and quantity.
TRACED · CERTIFIED · RELIABLE · TRANSPARENT · TESTED
Key facts
| CAS No. | 77-92-9 |
|---|---|
| E-number (EU) | E 330 |
| Synonyms | Citric acid, 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, β-Hydroxytricarballylic acid |
| Chemical formula | (a) C6H8O7 (anhydrous) (b) C6H8O7·H2O (monohydrate) |
| Molecular weight | (a) 192,13 (anhydrous) (b) 210,15 (monohydrate) |
| Description | Citric acid is a white or colourless, odourless, crystalline solid, having a strongly acid taste. The monohydrate effloresces in dry air |
| Solubility | Very soluble in water; freely soluble in ethanol; soluble in ether |
| Grades | EU Reg. 231/2012 (E 330) sample spec · FCC / USP available on request for U.S. food/pharma use |
| Origin | Confirmed in every offer; stated per lot on the COA |
| Storage, shelf life, packaging | Per the producer's specification, on request |
What citric acid is
Citric acid is produced from lemon or pineapple juice, by fermentation of carbohydrate solutions or other suitable media using Candida spp. or non-toxicogenic strains of Aspergillus niger. Formula (a) C6H8O7 (anhydrous) (b) C6H8O7·H2O (monohydrate), molecular weight (a) 192,13 (anhydrous) (b) 210,15 (monohydrate). Citric acid is a white or colourless, odourless, crystalline solid, having a strongly acid taste. The monohydrate effloresces in dry air. Very soluble in water; freely soluble in ethanol; soluble in ether. (Source: EU Regulation 231/2012, E 330.)
Applications by industry
Pharma & nutraceuticals
Excipient and pH adjuster.
Chemical & industrial
pH adjustment in process steps.
Home & institutional cleaning
Descaling, rust removal and pH adjustment.
Water treatment
Cleaning and descaling of membranes and equipment.
Personal care & cosmetics
pH adjuster in creams, lotions and hair care.
Textiles & leather
Acid for pH control in processing.
Sample specification
Values from EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 330), consolidated text of 18.08.2026. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the COA for your lot are available on request.
| Assay | Citric acid may be anhydrous or it may contain 1 molecule of water. Citric acid contains not less than 99,5 % of C6H8O7, calculated on the anhydrous basis |
|---|---|
| Water content | Anhydrous citric acid contains not more than 0,5 % water; citric acid monohydrate contains not more than 8,8 % water (Karl Fischer method) |
| Sulphated ash | Not more than 0,05 % after calcination at 800 ± 25 °C |
| Arsenic | Not more than 1 mg/kg |
| Lead | Not more than 0,5 mg/kg |
| Mercury | Not more than 1 mg/kg |
| Oxalates | Not more than 100 mg/kg, expressed as oxalic acid, after drying |
| Readily carbonisable substances | Heat 1 g of powdered sample with 10 ml of 98 % minimum sulphuric acid in a water bath at 90 °C in the dark for one hour. Not more than a pale brown colour should be produced (Matching Fluid K) |
Download the full spec sheet (PDF)
Documents and sourcing
Droplet promise. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
Data sheet, SDS and COA on request. Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot.
Questions buyers ask
What is citric acid used for?
Typical uses by industry. Food & beverage: Acidulant for taste and pH control in beverages, confectionery, jams and sauces. Pharma & nutraceuticals: Excipient and pH adjuster. Chemical & industrial: pH adjustment in process steps. Home & institutional cleaning: Descaling, rust removal and pH adjustment. Water treatment: Cleaning and descaling of membranes and equipment. Personal care & cosmetics: pH adjuster in creams, lotions and hair care. Textiles & leather: Acid for pH control in processing. Suitability for your product and market is confirmed with the producer's specification.
Which grades can McBoeck supply?
Food grade to EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 330). FCC / USP grade is available on request for U.S. food and pharma use. Particle size and other grade details follow the producer's specification, on request.
Which documents come with citric acid?
Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request.
What does the sample spec sheet show?
Limits for assay, water content, sulphated ash, arsenic, lead, mercury, oxalates and readily carbonisable substances, taken from EU Regulation 231/2012. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the lot COA are available on request.
How do I get a quote?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location through the quote form or at [email protected]. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
Related acidulants & pH control
Acetic AcidCalcium CitrateCalcium GluconateFumaric AcidAll acidulants & pH control
Need citric acid?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location. Email [email protected] or call +1 (713) 766-6811.