E331; Sodium Citrate (Trisodium Citrate)

(in 727 products)

1. Acidity Regulator / Buffering Agent - Changes or maintains the acidity or basicity of food/cosmetics.

2. Antioxidant - Reduces oxidation to prevent the formation of free radicals which may be harmful to health.

3. Binder / Stabilizer - Retains the physical characteristics of food/cosmetics and ensure the mixture remains in an even state.

4. Flavor / Flavoring / Flavor Enhancer - Provides or enhances a particular taste or smell.

5. Preservative - Prevents and inhibits the growth of unwanted microorganisms which may be harmful

Sodium Citrate is the sodium salt of citrate with alkalinizing activity. It is employed as a flavoring agent (E331) in certain varieties of club soda. Sodium citrate is common as an ingredient in bratwurst, and is also used in commercial ready to drink beverages and drink mixes, contributing a tart flavor. When making cheese. it is used as an emulsifier which allows the cheese to melt without becoming greasy. It is found in gelatin mix, ice-cream, yogurt, jams, sweets, milk powder, processed cheeses, carbonated beverages, and wine. [1]

Sodium citrate can perform as a buffering agent or acidity regulator, resisting changes in pH. It is used to control acidity in some substances, such as gelatin desserts. It can be found in the mini milk containers used with coffee machines. [1]

It is approved to use as food additive in EU and generally recognized as safe food substance in US.

1. PubChem: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/6224

1. US FDA Food Additives Status List [2018]

- Sodium citrate

2. EU Approved Food Additive [2018]

- E331

3. Japan’s List of Designated Food Additives under Article 10 of the Food Sanitation Act

- Trisodium Citrate (Sodium Citrate)

4. US FDA Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) Food Substances (21 CFR 184) [2017]

- §184.1751