Acidulants
Acidulants are chemical compounds (organic or inorganic) that release hydrogen and a salt part in water solutions. When the concentration of hydrogen ions goes up, the acidity of the entire system increases while the pH decreases. Many foods, like most fruits, contain natural acids such as citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid which are responsible for the taste and flavor of the specific fruit. Acidulants are commonly used to add a tart, sour, or acidic taste to foods or to enhance the perceived sweetness of the food. Acidulants are used in various applications but are most commonly found in beverages, confectioneries, or savory foods.
Calcium Citrate
Properties: Fine white powder
Purpose: Buffer, dietary supplement, firming agent, nutrient, sequestrant
Where Used: Beans (lima), flour, peppers
Citric Acid
Properties: Small, clear crystals; odorless
Purpose: Antioxidant, emulsifying agent, natural preservative
Where Used: Ice cream, sorbets, sodas, juices, powdered beverages, candies, frozen foods, wine, and canned foods
Fumaric Acid
Properties: White crystals; odorless
Purpose: Acidifier, curing accelerator, flavoring agent
Where Used: Beverage mixes (dry), candy, desserts, pie fillings, poultry, wine
Lactic Acid and Salts
Properties: Yellow to colorless crystals or syrupy 50% liquid
Purpose: Acid, antimicrobial agent, curing agent, flavor enhancer, flavoring agent, pH control agent, pickling agent, solvent, vehicle
Where Used: Cheese spreads, egg (dry powder), olives, poultry, salad dressing mix, wine
Malic Acid
Properties: White or colorless crystals; acid taste
Purpose: Acidifier, flavor enhancer, flavoring agent,pH control agent, synergist for antioxidants
Where Used: Beverages (dry mix), candy (hard), candy (soft), chewing gum, fats (chicken), fillings, fruit juices, fruits (processed), gelatins, jams, jellies, lard, nonalcoholic beverages, puddings, shortening, soft drinks, wine
Potassium Citrate
Properties: Colorless transparent crystals or white powder; odorless with salty taste
Purpose: Miscellaneous and general-purpose buffer, pH control agent, sequestrant
Where Used: Jelly (artificially sweetened), margarine, meat products, milk, oleomargarine, wine
Sodium Citrate
Properties: Sodium citrate is the trisodium salt of citric acid. White crystalline powder or white granular crystals
Purpose: Flavoring agent, pH control agent, anticoagulant.
Where Used: Gelatin mix, ice-cream, jams, sweets, milk powder, processed cheeses, carbonated beverages, and wine
Tartaric Acid
Properties: Colorless to translucent crystals or white powder; odorless with an acid taste
Purpose: Acid, firming agent, flavor enhancer, flavoring agent, humectant, pH control agent, sequestrant
Where Used: Baking powder, beverages (grape and lime flavored), jellies (grape flavored), poultry, wine