According to New World Encyclopedia, citric acid is a weak organic acid found in citrus fruits. Citric acid is also found in processed foods and may be used as a food additive to aid in preservation, to add acidic flavor to food, and as an antioxidant or a fat emulsifier, according to The Nutrition Data Blog. New World Encyclopedia also states that although intolerance to citric acid exists, little information is known.
Naturally Occurring Citric Acid
The Nutrition Data Blog reports citric acid is responsible for the sour taste in lemons and limes. New World Encyclopedia states lemons and limes contain the highest amount of citric acid of all fruit with about 8%. In addition to lemons and limes, foods that naturally contain citric acid include oranges, orange juice, grapefruits, strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, cranberries, red currants, black currants, pineapple, tamarind, cherries, tomatoes, cayenne peppers, Jerusalem artichokes, lettuce, wine and sourdough, according to Vicki Clarke's Citric Acid Intolerance Site. Citric acid is used to help milk clot faster in manufactured cheese; however, citric acid is not present in cheese made the old-fashioned way.
Foods with Added Citric Acid
Nutrition Data Blog recommends label reading to find citric acid in manufactured foods. These foods include soup stock cubes, soft drinks, jams, fruit preserves, fruit yogurt, canned tomatoes, canned fruits, fruit candies, sour candies, some ice creams, tomato-based sauces, and mayonnaise, according to Vicki Clarke's Citric Acid Intolerance Site.
Citric Acid at Restaurants
The Nutrition Data Blog also says prepared foods, including fast food, may contain citric acid. Ask the server or carefully read the menu to be sure. Vicki Clarke's Citric Acid Intolerance Site says Thai food restaurants don't use lime juice, but some Thai groceries contain kaffir lime. Inquire with the restaurant to be sure. Many Indian foods contain tomatoes, lemon juice, and/or tamarind. Tandoori grilled meats and most rice dishes do not contain citric acid. At Chinese restaurants, lemon chicken and sweet and sour dishes will contain citric acid. Many dishes at Italian restaurants contain tomato and lemon. At fast food restaurants, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, fruit desserts and soft drinks are likely to contain citric acid.
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