E333 – Calcium Citrates
CitrateDescription
White, odorless powder or granules; produced by neutralizing citric acid with calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate
Notes
Calcium citrate is a white, odorless powder created by combining citric acid (the same natural acid found in citrus fruits) with calcium hydroxide, also known as lime. This process, called neutralization, creates a stable calcium salt that dissolves easily in water and provides a readily available source of calcium that the body can absorb. In food products, calcium citrate serves multiple roles as both a preservative and a nutritional supplement. It helps extend shelf life by controlling acidity levels, while simultaneously boosting the calcium content of foods. You'll commonly find it in fortified fruit juices, breakfast cereals, baked goods, and processed dairy alternatives like plant-based milks, where it helps replace the natural calcium found in regular dairy products. This additive is entirely synthetic but made from naturally-occurring components, making it suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and most religious dietary requirements. Since it's specifically added to increase calcium intake, many consumers actually seek out products containing calcium citrate, especially those who don't consume dairy products. It's considered very safe and is regulated as both a food additive and a dietary supplement ingredient.