Citrates (E331 to E333): Halal or Haram?
Halal
Citrates steady acidity and stop mixtures separating. They are salts of citric acid (E330), which industry makes by fermenting sugars with a mould culture rather than pressing it from fruit.
E331 Sodium citrates
Citrate salts that steady acidity and stop separation.
Why it is Halal. The sodium form is the one that melts processed cheese smoothly, which is where most people meet it.
Where you meet it. Soft drinks, processed cheese, jams, ice cream.
E332 Potassium citrates
The potassium form of the citrates.
Why it is Halal. Same fermentation origin, paired with a mineral potassium salt.
Where you meet it. Drinks, dairy desserts, jams, supplements.
E333 Calcium citrates
Citrates that also firm plant tissue and add calcium.
Why it is Halal. Fermented citric acid with mineral calcium.
Where you meet it. Plant drinks, tinned fruit, supplements.
What to do in the shop
Nothing special to do for E331 itself. Read the rest of the list: a product is only as clear as its least clear ingredient.
Questions people ask
Is E331 Halal?
E331 (Sodium citrates): Halal. The sodium form is the one that melts processed cheese smoothly, which is where most people meet it.
Is E332 Halal?
E332 (Potassium citrates): Halal. Same fermentation origin, paired with a mineral potassium salt.
Is E333 Halal?
E333 (Calcium citrates): Halal. Fermented citric acid with mineral calcium.
Products we checked that contain citrates (E331 to E333)
- Ahoj-Brause Kau-Bonbon 150 g · Mushbooh
- Ahoj-Brause Kaubonbons 225 g · Mushbooh
- Lambertz Nürnberger Lebkuchen Tradition 500 g · Mushbooh
- Trolli Dinorex 150 g · Mushbooh
- Zott Monte · Mushbooh
- Coppenrath & Wiese Schwarzwälder Kirsch-Rolle · Haram
- Coppenrath & Wiese Schwarzwälder Kirsch-Torte · Haram
Related additives
Check a product, not just a number
An additive's status describes the additive in general. What matters is the whole ingredient list on the packet in your hand.