Uploaded March 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Citric acid is a weak organic acid that has the chemical formula C ₆H ₈O ₇. It occurs naturally in citrus fruits. In biochemistry, it is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, which occurs in the metabolism of all aerobic organisms. More than two million tons of citric acid are manufactured every year. Wikipedia
Formula: C₆H₈O₇
Molar mass: 192.124 g/mol
Melting point: 307.4°F (153°C)
Boiling point: 590°F (310°C)
Density: 1.66 g/cm³
Soluble in: Water, Alcohol, Acetone, Dimethyl sulfoxide, Ethyl acetate
Citric acid is naturally found in citrus fruits, but synthetic versions — produced from a type of mold — are commonly added to foods, medicines, supplements, and cleaning agents. While mold residues from the manufacturing process may trigger allergies in rare cases, citric acid is generally deemed safe. Citric Acid – What Is It Really?
Ever wondered what citric acid is when reading the ingredients in a food or drink product? It can be found on almost any food label and is one of the most common food additives proclaimed as “natural” and “healthy.” Well, it sure is natural but most certainly not healthy. Many think it’s a substance derived from citrus fruit, well that used to be correct. Sadly, today’s citric acid is completely different.

WHAT IS CITRIC ACID EXACTLY?
Citric acid is an organic acid that is a component of all aerobic living organism, most commonly found in citrus and acidic fruits. “Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)” is also another term and sounds normal enough that you don’t think twice about it. It’s been used as an additive in processed foods for more than 100 years as a preservative, flavoring, and an emulsifier. It acts as a great preservative and thus, is found in many canned and jarred foods to prevent spoilage
Citric acid is a weak organic acid that has the chemical formula C ₆H ₈O ₇. It occurs naturally in citrus fruits. In biochemistry, it is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, which occurs in the metabolism of all aerobic organisms. More than two million tons of citric acid are manufactured every year. Wikipedia
Formula: C₆H₈O₇
Molar mass: 192.124 g/mol
Melting point: 307.4°F (153°C)
Boiling point: 590°F (310°C)
Density: 1.66 g/cm³
Soluble in: Water, Alcohol, Acetone, Dimethyl sulfoxide, Ethyl acetate
Citric acid is naturally found in citrus fruits, but synthetic versions — produced from a type of mold — are commonly added to foods, medicines, supplements, and cleaning agents. While mold residues from the manufacturing process may trigger allergies in rare cases, citric acid is generally deemed safe. Citric Acid – What Is It Really?
Ever wondered what citric acid is when reading the ingredients in a food or drink product? It can be found on almost any food label and is one of the most common food additives proclaimed as “natural” and “healthy.” Well, it sure is natural but most certainly not healthy. Many think it’s a substance derived from citrus fruit, well that used to be correct. Sadly, today’s citric acid is completely different.

WHAT IS CITRIC ACID EXACTLY?
Citric acid is an organic acid that is a component of all aerobic living organism, most commonly found in citrus and acidic fruits. “Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)” is also another term and sounds normal enough that you don’t think twice about it. It’s been used as an additive in processed foods for more than 100 years as a preservative, flavoring, and an emulsifier. It acts as a great preservative and thus, is found in many canned and jarred foods to prevent spoilage
