Ascorbic acid, or L-ascorbic acid, is the chemical name for vitamin C. The ascorbic acid used in food is usually produced from glucose through a mix of fermentation and chemical steps, and it is identical to the vitamin found in citrus fruit. It is INS 300 and E300, and Codex lists it as an acidity regulator, antioxidant, flour treatment agent and sequestrant.
As an antioxidant it reacts with oxygen before the food does, which helps keep flavours fresh and colours stable. Bakers also use it to strengthen bread dough. On SeekSnack it is labelled as an antioxidant on Lay’s Rock Ridged Extra Barbecue, a ridged potato chip with barbecue seasoning.
