E300 Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

E300AntioxidantsOrigin: Fermented

Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Ascorbic acid (E300) is plain vitamin C. It keeps food from browning and is one of the safest additives there is.

98/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE300

Comes fromFermented

What it doesAntioxidants

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledVitamin C, L-ascorbic acid

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved everywhere with no limit.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Ascorbic acid is vitamin C made from glucose. It's identical to the vitamin C in an orange.

Where it comes from: Made from corn glucose through a fermentation and chemical process.

Why it’s in food

Stops cut fruit and juice browning
Keeps cured meat pink and reduces nitrosamines
Helps bread dough rise

Often found in

Fruit juiceCured meatsBreadCanned fruit

Also listed as: Vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid, Ascorbic acid

Health & gut impact

NutritionBenefit

Adds vitamin C to your diet.

EFSA (2015)

What can I use instead?

Lemon juice

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Stopping fruit browning

More antioxidants:

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) E320BHA (E320) is a synthetic preservative that keeps fats fresh. The US National Toxicology Program lists it as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."Best to avoid BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) E321BHT (E321) is a synthetic preservative in cereal and snacks. It's approved, but evidence on long-term effects is mixed, and many brands have dropped it.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Ascorbic Acid safe?

Generally safe (98/100). Approved everywhere with no limit.

Is Ascorbic Acid vegan?

Yes.

Is Ascorbic Acid gluten-free?