Sodium Citrate (CAS 68-04-2) is a cornerstone ingredient in the food and beverage industry, prized for its multifaceted functional properties. Far beyond its slightly salty taste, this white crystalline powder plays a critical role in enhancing texture, ensuring stability, and improving the overall quality of a vast array of products. For food technologists and procurement managers, understanding its applications and sourcing reliably is key.

Functional Excellence in Food and Beverages

Sodium Citrate's utility stems from its unique chemical characteristics:

  • Acidity Regulator/Buffering Agent: Sodium Citrate is highly effective at controlling and stabilizing the pH of food and beverage products. This is crucial for preserving flavor profiles, preventing spoilage, and ensuring the stability of other ingredients. It is widely used in carbonated drinks, fruit juices, and jams to maintain a consistent acidity level.
  • Emulsifier: One of its most recognized roles is in the dairy industry, particularly in processed cheese. Sodium Citrate acts as an emulsifier, helping to disperse fat globules evenly within the product. This prevents oil separation and creates the smooth, creamy texture that consumers expect. It also finds use in ice cream and whipped creams to improve texture and prevent syneresis (water separation).
  • Preservative: While not a primary preservative like sorbates or benzoates, Sodium Citrate can contribute to preservation by creating an environment less favorable to microbial growth when used in conjunction with other methods.
  • Sequestrant: It can bind with trace metal ions that can catalyze oxidation, thereby helping to prevent rancidity and color degradation in certain food products.

Applications Across the Spectrum

The versatility of Sodium Citrate means it's found in countless products:

  • Processed Cheese and Dairy Products: Essential for meltability and smooth texture.
  • Beverages: For acidity control, flavor enhancement, and stability in soft drinks, energy drinks, and fruit beverages.
  • Confectionery: In candies and jellies as an acidity regulator and flavor enhancer.
  • Canned Goods: To maintain acidity and prevent spoilage in canned fruits and vegetables.

Sourcing Premium Food-Grade Sodium Citrate

For businesses in the food and beverage sector, sourcing high-purity, food-grade Sodium Citrate is non-negotiable. As a trusted sodium citrate supplier in China, we offer premium quality Sodium Citrate that meets stringent international food safety standards. We ensure consistent quality, reliable supply, and competitive pricing for bulk orders. If you are looking to buy sodium citrate for food formulations or need a quote for our food-grade product, please contact us.