E380: Triammonium Citrate
Main role: acidity control
Also listed as: ammonium citrate, triammonium salt of citric acid
What is E380 (Triammonium Citrate)?
Triammonium citrate E380 is an ammonium salt of citric acid used in defined food acidity applications. It differs from sodium, potassium, and calcium citrate salts, although they all relate to the same parent acid.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is acidity control. Acidity regulators adjust or buffer pH. The resulting acidity depends on the whole recipe, not just the presence of one acid or salt. Acidity control may also affect texture and the performance of other ingredients.
Food and formulation examples
- Specified acidity-control blends
- Selected food processing preparations
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E380, E 380, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include ammonium citrate, triammonium salt of citric acid. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Do not confuse food-grade ammonium citrate with household ammonia products. Exact chemical identity and specification are necessary for interpreting an ingredient.
Is E380 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E380 as Triammonium citrate. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.