Acidulants
Region
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Other regions: Americas, Asia Pacific
Market
Food and Beverage, Industrial, Pharmaceutical, Animal Feed
Applications
beverages, confections, desserts, detergents, fertilisers, gelatine desserts, jams, jellies, pharmaceuticals, processed fruits, processed vegetables, puddings, wine
Citric acid, malic acid and fumaric acid are acidulants, used to add a ‘sour’ taste to foods and soft drinks and as preservatives. Citric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid, common to all living things, and is produced commercially through fermentation. Malic and fumaric acids are synthetic acidulants.
An excellent buffer
Understanding the chemistry of citric acid is as easy as ABC. It is an acid and reduces the pH of a system thereby imparting a sour flavor. It is an excellent buffer which allows a system to remain pH stable. It is an very good complexing agent (chelant) and ties up metal ions which can affect the stability of the end product.
Acidulant properties
| Product |
Key food / beverage properties |
Flavour profile |
Key industrial
properties |
| Citric acid |
pH reduction, buffer component, metal complexing, high solubility |
Immediate citrus-sour type |
pH reduction, broad buffer range, metal complexing, high solubility |
| Malic Acid |
pH reduction, buffer component, high solubility |
Slightly delayed apple-sour type |
pH reduction, buffer component, weak metal complexing, high solubility |
| Fumaric acid |
pH reduction, buffer component, limited solubility |
Intense acidic sour |
pH reduction, reactive double bond |
| Sodium citrate |
Buffer component, emulsifying salt |
slightly saline |
Broad buffer range, emulsifying salt, metal complexing |
| Potassium citrate |
Buffer component, sodium substitute |
Slightly saline |
Broad buffer range, emulsifying salt, metal complexing |
| Calcium citrate |
Calcium supplement |
neutral |
Limited industrial application |
| Zinc citrate |
Zinc supplement |
neutral |
Limited industrial application |
The information contained on this site should not be construed as recommending the use of our product in violation of any patent, or as warranties (expressed or implied) of non infringement or its fitness for any particular purpose. Prospective purchasers are advised to conduct their own tests, studies and regulatory review to determine the fitness of Tate & Lyle products for their particular purposes, product claims or specific applications.
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