What is antioxidant INS 300 used for?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

INS 300, more commonly known as ascorbic acid or Vitamin C, is one of the most widely used food additives globally, approved for use in numerous food products with no specified daily limit. This powerful compound serves multiple critical functions in the food industry, primarily acting as an antioxidant to slow spoilage and maintain product quality.

Quick Summary

INS 300, also known as ascorbic acid or Vitamin C, is an antioxidant food additive used to preserve color, extend shelf life, and act as a dough conditioner in various food products.

Key Points

Identity: INS 300 is the food additive code for ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C.
Food Preservation: Its primary function is to prevent food spoilage by slowing or preventing oxidation, which affects color and flavor.
Color Stability: It is used to prevent the browning of cut fruits and vegetables and to stabilize the red color of cured meats.
Extended Shelf Life: By scavenging free radicals, INS 300 extends the shelf life of beverages, canned goods, and frozen foods.
Baking Enhancement: In baking, it acts as a dough conditioner, strengthening gluten for better bread volume and texture.
Broad Applications: Beyond food, INS 300 is used in cosmetics for anti-aging and in pharmaceuticals as a supplement.
Safety: It is widely considered safe for use as a food additive, with no adverse effects reported at typical usage levels.

What is INS 300?

INS 300 refers to ascorbic acid, which is the chemical name for Vitamin C. While it occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables, the form used in industrial applications is typically produced synthetically through the fermentation and oxidation of glucose. As an antioxidant, its main role is to prevent or slow down the oxidation process in food, which is caused by exposure to oxygen and leads to undesirable changes in color, flavor, and texture.

Key Functions in Food Production

INS 300 is a versatile additive valued for its ability to preserve and enhance the quality of many processed foods. Its functions go beyond simple preservation, making it a critical ingredient for manufacturers.

Preserving Color and Freshness

One of the most notable uses of INS 300 is to prevent the enzymatic browning of fruits and vegetables when they are peeled, cut, or processed. This is why it is often added to fruit juices, canned goods, and frozen produce to keep them looking fresh. In the meat industry, ascorbic acid is crucial for stabilizing the color of cured meats and sausages by protecting nitrosopigments from oxidation. This helps maintain the product's appealing red or pink hue over time.

Extending Shelf Life

Oxidative degradation is a primary cause of spoilage in many food products, particularly beverages, fats, and oils. INS 300 prevents this by scavenging free radicals and binding with metal ions that catalyze oxidation. This action significantly extends the shelf life of products like beer, wine, and juices, ensuring they remain fresh and palatable for longer periods.

Enhancing Baked Goods

In the baking industry, INS 300 is used as a flour improver or dough conditioner. In the presence of oxygen, ascorbic acid acts as an oxidizing agent that strengthens the gluten network in the dough. This leads to several improvements, including a more robust structure, greater loaf volume, and a finer texture in the finished product.

Regulating Acidity

As an acidulant, ascorbic acid can help regulate the pH of food and drink products. By increasing the acidity, it not only contributes to flavor but can also inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms. This makes it a multi-purpose additive in confectionery and other items where a specific pH is required for quality control.

Applications Beyond Food

The utility of ascorbic acid extends beyond the kitchen and into other major industries:

Pharmaceuticals: Used as a component in vitamin and mineral supplements to improve shelf life and aid in iron absorption.
Cosmetics: Incorporated into skincare products for its antioxidant properties to protect against free radical damage and promote collagen formation.
Animal Feed: Added to animal feed to improve animal health and promote growth.

INS 300 vs. Other Common Antioxidants

INS 300 is just one of many antioxidants used in the food industry. Its properties make it suitable for specific applications, but other compounds are better suited for different needs, particularly those involving fat-based products.


Feature	INS 300 (Ascorbic Acid)	Tocopherols (INS 306)	BHA & BHT (INS 320/321)
Solubility	Water-soluble	Fat-soluble	Fat-soluble
Origin	Natural (fruit/veg) or Synthetic	Natural (plant oils)	Synthetic
Best Application	Fruits, juices, beverages, meats, bread	Fats, oils, cereals, snacks	Snack foods, biscuits, margarine
Primary Function	Reduces oxygen, chelates metals	Scavenges free radicals	Inhibits propagation of free radicals
High-Temp Resistance	Sensitive to heat	Good resistance	Good resistance

Conclusion

Antioxidant INS 300, or ascorbic acid, is a foundational ingredient in modern food processing. Its multifaceted capabilities—from preserving the color of fruits and meats to improving the quality of baked goods and extending product shelf life—make it indispensable. Both naturally derived and synthetically produced, INS 300 offers a safe and effective way to ensure food remains fresh, appealing, and of high quality for longer. While it is a powerful antioxidant, its water-soluble nature means it is best utilized in specific applications, often in conjunction with other antioxidants for more comprehensive preservation. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated its safety and concluded that its use as a food additive poses no safety concern.

For more detailed information on the scientific re-evaluation of ascorbic acid as a food additive, you can refer to the EFSA Journal article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, INS 300 is the food additive code for ascorbic acid, which is the scientific name for Vitamin C.

INS 300 works by preventing the enzymatic browning reaction that occurs when cut fruits and vegetables are exposed to oxygen, helping them retain their natural color.

Yes, regulatory bodies like the EFSA have concluded that INS 300 is safe for use as a food additive at reported levels, with no harmful effects observed in typical food quantities.

In baking, INS 300 acts as a flour improver or dough conditioner. In the presence of oxygen, it strengthens the gluten in the dough, resulting in better volume and a more refined texture in the final product.

INS 300 is water-soluble, so its use in fat-based products like oils is limited. Other fat-soluble antioxidants like tocopherols (INS 306) are generally used for those applications.

INS 300 is added to cured meats to prevent the oxidation of nitrosopigments, which helps maintain the desired red or pink color and also inhibits the formation of harmful nitrosamines.

Besides food, INS 300 is used in cosmetics for skincare, in pharmaceuticals as a vitamin supplement, and in animal feed to promote health and growth.