Triammonium citrate

Triammonium citrate (CAS 3458-72-8), also known by its food additive designation E380, is the fully neutralized ammonium salt of citric acid used across food, personal care, and industrial water treatment applications. It functions primarily as a pH buffer, chelating agent, and stabilizer, controlling acidity and sequestering metal ions in formulated products. In food and beverage manufacturing, it acts as an acidity regulator and sequestrant.

This prevents metal-catalyzed oxidation that degrades flavor and color in processed products. Personal care formulators incorporate it into creams, lotions, and hair care products to buffer pH and stabilize active ingredients. In water treatment, it chelates calcium, magnesium, and heavy metal ions to prevent scale formation and protect process equipment. It also functions as a preservative-supporting agent in formulations where metal ion control is critical.

Triammonium citrate is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granule. Food-grade material is available to FCC specification, supporting use in regulated food and beverage applications. Technical-grade product is also offered for industrial water treatment and non-food formulation use. This versatile chemical ensures stability and performance across a wide range of demanding industrial and consumer sectors.