Is E331 Vegan?
As a vegan, you may find it challenging to determine the vegan status of various food additives. One such additive is E331, or Sodium Citrates. So, let’s explore whether this additive is vegan-friendly.
What is E331?
E331, commonly known as Sodium Citrates, includes three types of sodium salts: monosodium citrate, disodium citrate, and trisodium citrate. It is widely used as a food additive due to its flavor-enhancing and preservative properties.
What is E331 used for?
E331 plays a crucial role in the food industry, primarily as a flavor enhancer and preservative. It’s also used as an acidity regulator in beverages and emulsifying salts in processed cheese.
What Food Contains E331?
Sodium Citrates are found in a wide variety of food products. These include but are not limited to carbonated drinks, processed cheese, and even some ice cream and sorbets.
What is E331 made of?
E331, or Sodium Citrates, is produced by neutralizing citric acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. Citric acid is typically derived from a microbial fermentation process using sugar beet molasses or corn-derived sugar as a base.
Is E331 Vegan?
Yes, E331 is considered vegan. Its production process involves no animal-derived ingredients.
Potential Animal Testing E331
At the time of writing, there’s no evidence to suggest that Sodium Citrates or E331 is currently being tested on animals.
Animal-Derived Ingredients E331
E331 is produced by neutralizing plant-derived citric acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. There are no animal-derived ingredients involved in its production, making it vegan-friendly.
Origins and Production of E331
Sodium Citrates are produced industrially by neutralizing citric acid, derived from a microbial fermentation process using plant-based sugars. Therefore, E331 is considered suitable for a vegan diet.
E331 in a Vegan Diet
Given its plant-based origins and synthetic production process, E331 can generally be included in a vegan diet. Its widespread use in food and beverage products makes it a common feature in many dietary choices.
Is E331 Safe?
E331, or Sodium Citrates, is widely recognized as safe by major food safety authorities worldwide. However, as with any food additive, it is essential to consume it within the recommended dietary limits.
Final Thoughts
E331 or Sodium Citrates is vegan-friendly and generally safe for consumption. Its use in enhancing flavor and preserving food products contributes significantly to the range of food options available, enriching our dietary choices without compromising vegan principles.
