Is citric acid made from mold? Surprisingly, the answer is yes—most commercially produced citric acid today is derived from a special strain of black mold. This industrial process is widely used, especially in processed foods, supplements, and even cleaning products.

That might sound alarming, but the full story is more nuanced. It’s worth understanding how this common additive is made, what role mold really plays, and whether there are reasons to limit your intake or opt for alternatives. Let’s explore what’s behind the label and how it might be affecting your health.

Citric Acid 101: Natural, Processed, and Everything In Between

Citric acid sounds simple—maybe something you’d imagine squeezing from a lemon. And you wouldn’t be wrong to think that. It does occur naturally in citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit. But the kind used in packaged foods and supplements? That’s a different story.

Today, most commercial citric acid isn’t pressed from fruit at all. It’s made in large-scale facilities using a specific strain of black mold called Aspergillus niger. This mold is fed sugar (usually from corn) and then fermented to produce citric acid. Once the process is complete, the mold is removed, and what’s left is purified, dried, and added to just about everything—drinks, snacks, pills, even skincare.

Here’s what you should know:

  • It’s everywhere. Citric acid is used to add tartness, preserve freshness, and stabilize formulas. It’s found in sodas, canned goods, chewable vitamins, and even shampoo.
  • It’s mold-derived (but not moldy). The Aspergillus niger used to make it doesn’t remain in the final product, but some people with mold sensitivities or gut issues may still react to trace residues or the way their body processes it.
  • It’s FDA-approved and generally recognized as safe. But that doesn’t always mean it’s ideal for everybody—especially if you’re someone dealing with inflammation, allergies, or food sensitivities.

Is Mold-Derived Citric Acid Harmful? The Science

Citric acid is everywhere—from sparkling drinks and salad dressings to vitamin C tablets and skin serums. While the idea of it being made with the help of black mold (Aspergillus niger) might sound a little off-putting, the reality is more nuanced. For most people, it’s considered safe and doesn’t cause any noticeable reactions. But for some, especially those with sensitivities, there’s more to pay attention to.

For most, it’s no big deal

Citric acid made this way has been used for decades and is approved by major food safety agencies. It’s super common and typically well-tolerated. But that doesn’t mean everyone reacts the same.

For some, it may trigger unexpected symptoms

People with mold allergies or immune sensitivities might notice they don’t feel great after eating certain processed foods. While there’s no large-scale research confirming widespread issues, these anecdotal symptoms come up again and again:

  • Digestive issues, like bloating, discomfort, or feeling “off” after meals
  • Skin flare-ups, such as hives, rashes, or itchiness after eating processed snacks or candy
  • Fatigue or body aches, especially in people who already struggle with inflammation or autoimmunity

Why it matters for gut and immune health

More researchers are beginning to explore how highly processed additives—especially ones made through fermentation—might impact the gut microbiome and immune response. While the mold itself isn’t in the final product, traces of byproducts or individual sensitivities might explain why some people don’t do well with it.

So if you’ve ever felt “off” after eating something with citric acid and you have a history of food sensitivities, it might be worth noting. You’re not imagining it—and your body’s feedback is worth listening to.

Citric Acid, Gut Health & the Immune System

The gut is where over 70% of your immune system lives. It’s constantly sensing what you eat, responding to stress, and managing inflammation behind the scenes. When that system gets thrown off, even ingredients that are generally considered safe—like citric acid—might start to feel less friendly.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • If your gut lining is already inflamed or “leaky,” your body might be more reactive to food additives like citric acid.
  • Some people notice symptoms like joint pain, skin irritation, fatigue, or tummy troubles after eating foods with citric acid.
  • These reactions usually point to something deeper—like microbial imbalance, chronic stress, or low-grade inflammation that needs tending to.

Everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person might not for another. If you’re noticing patterns or just feeling off, it might be time to explore what your gut is trying to tell you. You deserve to feel clear, calm, and energized—and that starts with tuning in.

Rebuild Your Gut, Restore Your Energy: How Hol+ Helps You Get There

When food starts feeling like the enemy—or your symptoms don’t make sense—your body’s asking for a deeper look. At hol+, we listen to that signal. We don’t stop at surface-level tests. We go further, with advanced labs that explore your gut, immune system, and environment, giving us a full picture of what’s really going on.

We use functional panels to uncover the root causes of reactivity. These tests help identify:

  • Chronic inflammation and its impact on your digestion and energy
  • Microbiome imbalances that may be feeding symptoms like bloating, brain fog, or fatigue
  • Immune reactivity to mold, food, or additives like citric acid, even when “allergy tests” come back normal

Once we have real insight, healing becomes possible.

We offer:

  • Nutrition Counseling to help you identify irritants and repair your gut lining with supportive foods
  • Gut Healing Therapies like probiotics, enzymes, and herbal support that are carefully chosen for your needs
  • Immune Support Programs for chronic sensitivities that are making everyday life harder
  • IV Therapies to deliver deep support—restoring antioxidants, calming inflammation, and helping your cells recover

You’re never just given a protocol—you’re guided step by step by a caring, board-certified team that knows the terrain and has the tools to help you heal.

Hol+ Can Help You Find the Answers You’ve Been Missing

At hol+, we’ve seen how small, everyday exposures can tip the scale when the body is already overwhelmed. That’s why we look deeper—beyond food labels and into your whole health picture. If you’re navigating sensitivities and looking for answers that feel grounded and personal, we’re here to help. Let’s map out a plan that supports your body’s natural resilience. Book your consultation today.

FAQs

Is citric acid made from mold in most foods today?

Yes. Most food-grade citric acid today is produced by fermenting sugars with Aspergillus niger, a strain of black mold. It’s filtered before use but may still trigger sensitivities in some individuals.

Is mold-derived citric acid dangerous?

For most people, no. But those with mold sensitivities, allergies, or autoimmune issues might be more reactive. It depends on your individual biochemistry and gut health.

Does hol+ test for mold sensitivity or reactivity?

Yes, we do. We use advanced lab testing to assess mold exposure, immune response, and inflammation—especially when symptoms point to environmental or dietary triggers.

Can hol+ help with long-term food chemical sensitivities?

We can. We look at your full health history and run targeted labs to figure out why you’re reacting—then build a plan that supports healing over time.

Do you use citric acid in your supplements at hol+?

We’re very selective with our product sourcing. If a client is sensitive to citric acid, we guide them toward alternative formulations that better suit their needs.