Triethyl citrate
Citrate flavor carrier and foam stabilizer.
- Category
- Carriers, Emulsifiers, Sequestrants, Stabilisers
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Triethyl citrate is citric acid with three ethanol groups attached, used as a flavour carrier.
How it is used in food
It stabilizes whipped egg white in boxed liquid egg and carries flavors.
Commonly found in- Liquid egg white products
- Flavour preparations
- Whipped toppings
Health and safety
None major.
Split back into citrate and traces of alcohol during digestion.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E1505
Worth knowing
Citric acid with three ethanol groups.
Conclusion
There is little reason to avoid triethyl citrate unless you strictly monitor processing additives. Made from citric acid and ethanol, this flavour carrier stabilizes whipped liquid egg whites and simply splits back into citrate and trace alcohol during normal digestion. Its presence in flavourings or toppings represents a very limited and routine function in processed food.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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