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E300AntioxidantLow concern
Ascorbic Acid
In plain words
The short version
Vitamin C — used as a strong water-soluble antioxidant in foods and beverages.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
Essential nutrient with no ADI required by JECFA. Very high doses (above 2 g/day) can cause GI upset and may increase kidney stone risk in susceptible individuals.
The detail
Isolated by Albert Szent-Györgyi from paprika in the 1930s, work that earned him the Nobel Prize. Today produced industrially from glucose via the Reichstein process or microbial fermentation.
Prevents oxidation of fats, fruits, and meats. Common in juices, cured meats (to inhibit nitrosamine formation), wine, and dietary supplements. Also a dough conditioner in bread.
White crystalline powder, freely soluble in water. Strong reducing agent. Sensitive to heat, light, oxygen, and metal ions.
Permitted globally for food, beverage, supplement, and cosmetic use without restrictive maximums.
Sources
- JECFA — Ascorbic acid (INS 300), evaluation 1981 — WHO / Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, 1981. JECFA ADI 'not specified'
- 21 CFR 182.3013 — Ascorbic acid (GRAS) — US eCFR (Office of the Federal Register), 2026. US GRAS status, GMP use
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, Annex II — consolidated text of 18.08.2026 — Publications Office of the European Union, 2026. EU Group I additive at quantum satis
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.