Ascorbic acid
Vitamin C.
- Category
- Antioxidants, Sequestrants
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Ascorbic acid (E300) is the chemical name for Vitamin C. While famously known as an essential human nutrient, in the food industry it is primarily used as an antioxidant to prevent oxidation (browning) and as a flour treatment agent to improve dough elasticity.
How it is used in food
Acts as a powerful antioxidant, preserving color and nutritional value while also adding Vitamin C.
Commonly found in- Fruit juices and purees (prevents browning)
- Commercial bread and pastries (improves dough rise)
- Cured meats (prevents nitrosamine formation)
- Canned fruits
Health and safety
None known.
Ascorbic acid is universally recognized as extremely safe. It is an essential water-soluble vitamin that the human body cannot produce on its own. Excess amounts are simply excreted in the urine.
Mild laxative effect at massive doses
While impossible to reach through food additives alone, consuming multi-gram supplement doses of Vitamin C can cause mild stomach upset or diarrhea.
It sacrifices itself to oxidation to protect the food.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E300
Also printed asascorbinezuur · L-ascorbic acid · vitamin c
Alternatives to this additive
- E301: Sodium ascorbate — The sodium salt of ascorbic acid, often used for similar antioxidant purposes but is less acidic.
How it is made
Although abundant in citrus fruits, commercial E300 is synthetically produced from glucose (often derived from corn) through a multi-step fermentation and chemical oxidation process known as the Reichstein process.
- Fermentation — D-glucose (corn sugar) is catalytically reduced to D-sorbitol, which is then fermented by bacteria into L-sorbose.
- Oxidation — L-sorbose is chemically oxidized to 2-keto-L-gulonic acid.
- Conversion — The acid is treated with hydrochloric acid to form ascorbic acid.
Worth knowing
Ascorbic acid is simply the chemical name for Vitamin C!
Conclusion
E300 is a completely safe, beneficial additive. In fact, its addition to cured meats (along with E250) is highly encouraged because it inhibits the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines.
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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