E331 Sodium Citrate

E331Acidity regulatorsOrigin: Mineral

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Every diet

VeganYes

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Great for keto cheese sauce.

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Sodium citrate (E331) is a salt of citric acid that makes cheese melt silky-smooth. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly.

94/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE331

Comes fromMineral

What it doesAcidity regulators

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledSodium citrate, Trisodium citrate

Make silky cheese sauce at home

For your pantry

Food-grade pouch

Food-grade sodium citrate

Use about 4% of the cheese's weight (11 g per 285 g cheese).

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Precision tool

0.01 g digital micro scale

Getting the ratio right is the whole trick.

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Recipe book

Modernist Cuisine at Home

The book that made sodium citrate cheese sauce famous.

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved everywhere with no limit.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Sodium citrate is a salty-sour salt. In cheese it swaps out calcium, so the proteins melt into a smooth sauce instead of clumping.

Where it comes from: Made by neutralizing citric acid with sodium carbonate or hydroxide.

Why it’s in food

Makes processed cheese and cheese sauce melt smoothly
Controls acidity in soft drinks
Adds a mild salty-sour taste

Often found in

Cheese slicesNacho cheese sauceSoft drinksGelatin desserts

Also listed as: Sodium citrate, Trisodium citrate, Sour salt sodium

Health & gut impact

SafetyBenefit

Well tolerated; it's even used to treat kidney stones.

EFSA Journal 2018

SodiumConcern

Adds a little sodium.

USDA FoodData Central

What can I use instead?

Evaporated milk

Ratio: Replace part of the liquid

Best for: Smoother mac and cheese

More acidity regulators:

Citric Acid E330Citric acid (E330) is the sour acid of lemons, made by fermentation. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly.Generally safe Phosphoric Acid E338Phosphoric acid (E338) gives cola its sharp bite. It's fine for every diet, but heavy cola drinking is linked to lower bone density in women and to tooth erosion.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Sodium Citrate safe?

Generally safe (94/100). Approved everywhere with no limit.

Is Sodium Citrate vegan?

Yes.

Is Sodium Citrate gluten-free?