Citric acid anhydrous, E330, is a white to off-white powder and one of the most widely used acidulants in food and beverage production. Odourless and soluble in water, it lowers pH and balances acidity, which supports preservation and consistent texture. As an acidulant it also sharpens flavour, adding a clean tartness that lifts fruit and citrus notes without masking other ingredients. It appears under names such as anhydrous citric acid or beta-hydroxytricarballylic acid.
Manufacturers rely on it mainly in beverages and confectionery, where its solubility makes it easy to incorporate into liquid and dry mixes. Because it is supplied as a powder, it should be stored dry and handled with standard dust control to prevent caking. The anhydrous grade is non-GMO and suitable for vegan and halal formulations, and it is covered by Reg. 231/2012.
Also known as Citric acid, Anhydrous citric acid, Beta-Hydroxytricarballylic acid
| Technical function | What it does |
|---|---|
| pH control | Adjusts and buffers finished-product pH within a target range. |
| flavour enhancement | Contributes or intensifies a target flavour profile. |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Shelf life | 24 months, unopened |
| Storage | Cool, dry place |
| Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Assay | >=99.5% (calculated on the anhydrous basis) |
| Appearance | White or colourless, odourless, crystalline solid, having a strongly acid taste |
| Solubility | Very soluble in water; freely soluble in ethanol; soluble in ether |
| Water content | <=0.5% (anhydrous citric acid) |
| Sulphated ash | <=0.05% after calcination at 800 ± 25 °C |
| Arsenic | <=1 mg/kg |
| Lead | <=0.5 mg/kg |
| Mercury (Hg) | <=1 mg/kg |
| Oxalate | <=100 mg/kg, expressed as oxalic acid, after drying |
| Readily Carbonizable Substances | Not more than a pale brown colour (Matching Fluid K) |
QC requirements shown apply to every destination or to the EU. Lot-specific results (assay, moisture, pH, microbiological and heavy-metal testing) vary by production batch and are supplied on the Certificate of Analysis for each shipment.
Yes. Every shipment of Citric Acid Anhydrous comes with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis. If you need further documents, such as an allergen or GMO declaration or a certificate of origin, tell us at the enquiry stage and we will confirm what is available.
Storage: Cool, dry place. Shelf life: 24 months, unopened.
The certifications associated with Citric Acid Anhydrous include FSSC 22000, Named-manufacturer confirmation, ISO 22000. Tell us which certification your audit requires and we will confirm what can be provided before you order.
The grade we currently supply is Vegan, Halal. Confirm your exact claim with us before formulating, since certification can vary by production batch.
In most cases, yes. Tell us your target volume and application on the contact form and we'll confirm sample availability along with indicative pricing and lead time.