Sodium citrate
What is Sodium citrate?
Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid. It is produced by neutralising citric acid with a sodium source, such as sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. Citric acid is commonly produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates by the mould Aspergillus niger.
Is Sodium citrate vegan?
Sodium citrate is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Sodium citrate gluten-free?
It does not contain gluten.
Is Sodium citrate a major allergen?
Sodium citrate is not one of the 14 major allergens that must be emphasised on UK food labels.
What is Sodium citrate used for?
Sodium citrate functions as an acidity regulator, emulsifier, and preservative.
Is Sodium citrate safe?
Sodium citrate is authorised as a food additive in the UK and the EU.
Why it's used
Sodium citrate functions as an acidity regulator, emulsifier, and preservative. It helps to prevent the separation of fats and oils in processed foods, and can also stabilise emulsions. It is commonly found in dairy products, jams, jellies, and baked goods.
Health notes
Sodium citrate is authorised as a food additive in the UK and the EU. At typical consumption levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects. Some research suggests it may have a role in managing certain health conditions, but robust evidence from peer-reviewed studies is needed to confirm these effects.
Allergen info
Sodium citrate is not one of the 14 major allergens that must be emphasised on UK food labels. It does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Sodium citrate
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