Foods Containing E331 (Sodium Citrates)
E331 (Sodium Citrates) is sodium salts of citric acid, used as a antioxidant to help stop fats and oils turning rancid and protect food colour and flavour. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E331
E331 is used across oils, margarine, snacks, cured meats, soft drinks and processed foods. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Oils
- Margarine
- Snacks
- Cured meats
- Soft drinks and processed foods
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E331 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E331" or as "Sodium Citrates".
How to spot E331 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "antioxidants: E331" or "antioxidants: sodium citrates". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Sodium Citrates" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E331?
E331 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E331.
Full guide to E331: safety, vegan and halal status →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).