E331 - Sodium citrates
By the Daat team · Updated October 30, 2026
E331, sodium citrates, are salts of citric acid that control acidity.
In processed cheese they are what makes it melt smoothly without splitting. They also appear in drinks and sweets.
300 products in our catalog contain E331, or 1.8% of those with an ingredient list. Most of them are chocolate and sweets and meat products.
E331 at a glance
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Sodium citrates |
| Function | Acid / acidity regulator |
| Origin | Plant, mineral or synthetic |
| Vegan / vegetarian | Yes / Yes |
Is E331 vegan?
Yes. E331 has no animal source, so it suits both vegans and vegetarians.