The use of citric acid has been recorded for centuries, beginning when it was isolated from lemon juice in 1784 to when it was industrialized in 1890. The food and beverage industry relies heavily on citric acid because of its versatility as an oxidizer, pH stabilizer, and flavoring, among other functions. Citric acid supplier Bell Chem’s pure citric acid should be part of your ingredient lineup. 

Flavoring
The naturally tart, tangy flavor of citric acid is regularly added to candy, foods, and beverages. Sweet and sour candy is an example of how citric acid is added to foods to balance their overly sweet taste, and the balance enhances both flavors. Nearly half of all citric acid production is utilized in beverages as a flavoring. In powdered form, dried foods also benefit from citric acid flavoring, and it plays a role as an ingredient in snacks, powdered drinks, and seasonings. 

Preservative
As its name implies, citric acid has a low pH. Because most microbes exist within a specific pH range, lowering the pH with citric acid disrupts the environment for bacteria, fungi, et cetera. Without microbial growth, foods and drinks have an extended shelf life. Industries add citric acid to preserved and canned fruits and vegetables, many forms of meat, jams and jellies, and snack foods. 

Oxidizer/Antioxidant
When sprayed directly on freshly cut fruits, citric acid prevents oxidation, which causes fruits to develop an off-colored appearance. Adding citric acid to substances containing fats and oils stimulates antioxidant action, and because antioxidants diminish product deterioration rates, shelf life is extended.  

pH Adjuster and Buffer
When beer and wine are manufactured, a specific pH must be achieved. The addition of citric acid to a basic solution adjusts the pH to create more perfect brews. In the cheese-making process, citric acid acts as a catalyst by facilitating many varieties of cheese (mozzarella in particular) to ripen more rapidly. The cosmetic industry greatly benefits from citric acid as an ingredient; along with adjusting pH, it also sequesters pollutants, removing them from hair and skin. 

Bell Chem is your citric acid supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.