INS 330 is the code for citric acid
The single most common additive on Indian labels. Adds sourness, controls pH and helps preservatives work. Made by fermenting sugar with a mould, not squeezed from lemons.
- What it does
- Controls acidity An acidity regulator
- Also printed as
- Anhydrous citric acid
- Vegetarian?
- Depends on the maker Source not stated on the label
- In the Zabel score
- Takes no points off Method 1.0.0
- In our catalogue
- 850 packs List it in their ingredients
Is INS 330 vegetarian?
It depends on the maker. INS 330 can be made from plant or animal sources and the label does not say which, so the code tells you nothing either way. The green or brown mark on the pack is the declaration to go by.
| Food category | Share | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Carbonated soft drinks | 12% | |
| Noodles and pasta | 11% | |
| Chips and crisps | 11% | |
| Other snacks | 9% | |
| Biscuits and cookies | 8% | |
| Everything else | 50% |
Counted from the 850 packs in Zabel's catalogue that list INS 330, 723 of which have a food category so far. Counted 4 Nov 2026.
What does the evidence say about INS 330?
We grade an additive by the evidence about it, not by whether it sounds like a chemical, and we make no claim about whether a pack complies with FSSAI rules.
No numerical limit and no identified concern at food levels. Frequent, and unremarkable.
Does Zabel mark INS 330 down?
No. On the evidence we hold it takes nothing off the score (method 1.0.0). Read the method.
Questions people search
What is INS 330?
INS 330 is the code for citric acid, an acidity regulator. The single most common additive on Indian labels. Adds sourness, controls pH and helps preservatives work. Made by fermenting sugar with a mould, not squeezed from lemons.
Is INS 330 vegetarian?
It depends on the maker. INS 330 can be made from plant or animal sources and the label does not say which, so the code tells you nothing either way. The green or brown mark on the pack is the declaration to go by.
What does the evidence say about INS 330?
No numerical limit and no identified concern at food levels. Frequent, and unremarkable.
Does Zabel mark INS 330 down?
No. On the evidence we hold it takes nothing off the score (method 1.0.0).
What other names is INS 330 printed under?
Packs also print it as Anhydrous citric acid, or as the bare number 330 in brackets after the ingredient.
Sources
- 01 Evaluations of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) WHO / FAO, 2024
- 02 Zabel catalogue - pack counts, food categories and the codes printed alongside 4 Nov 2026
Entry updated 19 Sep 2026 · Not reviewed by a dietitian yet · Report an error on this page
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