We last studied together to discuss the most common and well-known acidity regulator, citric acid. Well, let's talk about another acid regulator today, sodium citrate. It may not be as famous as citric acid, but it always appears in our food. Foods like cheese, juices, and jellies that you eat often have a delicate taste because they use sodium citrate to improve texture and prevent separation. Let's dive into sodium citrate, explore its various uses and benefits, and compare it to other acid regulators to help you choose the most suitable product.
Sodium citrate is a type of salt that is derived from citric acid. It is a compound that is soluble in water, odorless, and has a slightly salty taste. In the following, we will discuss sodium citrate in more detail, including its composition, sources, and forms.
Do you know why sodium citrate has such a wide range of applications? It is because it has distinctive characteristics.
Sodium citrate is highly soluble in water and combines effortlessly with other chemicals when added to food or medications. This feature can also give a smoother texture to foods such as cheese.
Sodium citrate is an alkaline substance with a pH of approximately 7.5 to 9.0. It means that when added to a solution, sodium citrate can help stabilize the pH by neutralizing any acids or bases that may be present.
Sodium citrate can interact with metal ions in food to prevent discoloration or off-flavors.
Sodium citrate is derived from citric acid, which occurs naturally in citrus fruits such as lemons and limes. Most sodium citrate sold as a food additive is made by reacting citric acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate to neutralize it. The resulting sodium citrate is then purified, dried, and ground into a fine powder for food applications. Four main preparation methods are described below, depending on the raw materials used for production.
This method was the first production process developed. Citric acid is first dissolved in water, and then sodium hydroxide is added to the solution. This leads to a neutralization reaction that results in the formation of sodium citrate and water. Finally the solution is filtered, concentrated and dried. This method is simple and produces high purity results, but it is expensive.
The method is an improved process based on the neutralization method. Sodium carbonate is easy to purchase and store and has a low production cost, making it a widely used production method in various industries.
The citric acid + baking soda is a preparation method explicitly developed for the pharmaceutical industry. High-quality baking soda is dissolved in water according to the calculated amount and neutralized with citric acid. The resulting product is processed through steps such as concentration and crystallization to prepare pharmaceutical-grade sodium citrate. This method has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, good product quality, and good operability and is mainly used in some pharmaceutical factories.
The method utilizes the decomposition reaction of citric acid calcium and pure alkali to obtain sodium citrate by filtering out the insoluble substances. This preparation method yields a product with low purity and a long operational process. However, in recent years, it has been shown that the operation can be simplified by adjusting the pH value of the mixing conditions to reduce the production cost and thus obtain better product quality.
Sodium citrate comes in various forms, with our customers typically selecting the form based on their desired characteristics and application requirements.
The solid form of sodium citrate is the most common. One form is a white crystalline powder highly soluble in water and slightly acidic in taste. This powder form's particle size and purity may affect its solubility or flowability. Another form is granular, similar to powdered sodium citrate but with a larger particle size. The granular form is used in some industrial processes requiring faster dissolution and better flowability. In addition to the solid form, sodium citrate can be provided in liquid form, typically transparent or colorless.
Have you ever paid attention to the ingredients listed on the back of your food, medications, cosmetics, or cleaning products? One such ingredient that you may have come across is sodium citrate. Sodium citrate is a widely-used chemical that is valued in various industries due to its many beneficial properties. Below, we will discuss the different uses of sodium citrate and how it plays a significant role in the food, medical, cosmetic, and cleaning industries.
1. As a flavoring agent
Sodium citrate is used as a flavoring agent in various foods. It has a slightly salty and acidic taste that enhances the flavor of certain foods, especially acidic foods, such as fruits, candies, and carbonated beverages. Sodium citrate can also be used to balance the taste of certain foods by reducing bitterness and increasing sweetness, such as sauces and dressings.
2. As a preservative
Sodium citrate has antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, helping to extend the shelf life of foods. It is particularly effective in acidic foods such as jams, jellies, and canned fruits to prevent spoilage and maintain product quality. Sodium citrate is also used as a preservative in meat products such as sausages and cooked meats to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and to extend shelf life.
3. As an emulsifier
An emulsifier is an ingredient that helps to mix two immiscible liquids (e.g., oil and water) into a stable emulsion. It is particularly effective in stabilizing emulsions of acidic beverages such as cheese sauce and salad dressings by preventing the separation of the oil and water phases. Sodium citrate can also improve the texture and stability of frozen desserts such as ice cream and sorbets by preventing the formation of ice crystals and improving creaminess.
4. As a pH regulator
PH measures acidity or alkalinity, and foods like carbonated beverages and cheeses require a specific pH for optimal taste and preservation. Sodium citrate can help maintain a stable pH in acidic foods by buffering the acid and preventing the pH from dropping too low.
What we know most about sodium citrate is its contribution to the food industry. Sodium citrate also has medical applications due to its unique properties.
As an anticoagulant in blood collection tubes and specific medical procedures such as dialysis and plasma exchange, it binds to calcium ions in the blood and thus prevents blood clotting.
Sodium citrate replaces electrolytes in the body, such as sodium and citrate. It is commonly used in intravenous (IV) fluids to treat dehydration, acid-base imbalances, and certain metabolic disorders.
Sodium citrate is used as a contrast agent in medical imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Sodium citrate alkalinizes urine by increasing its pH, making it less acidic and more alkaline, which helps dissolve certain kidney stones and prevents bacterial growth.
Sodium citrate is a versatile ingredient commonly used as a pH regulator, chelating agent, emulsifier, and buffering agent in cosmetic and personal care products. It helps maintain the pH of shampoos, conditioners, and lotions within a specific range and helps blend immiscible liquids into stable emulsions, improving the effectiveness and stability of formulations. At the same time, it prevents skin or eye irritation caused by the treatment products.
Sodium citrate is used as a chelating agent and water softener in cleaning products to bind and remove mineral deposits, such as calcium and magnesium, from surfaces. It can also be used as a pH regulator to neutralize acidic or alkaline cleaning solutions, improving the cleaning power of cleaning products. In addition, sodium citrate can enhance the texture of cleaning products by helping to blend immiscible liquids into stable emulsions.
Have you noticed which foods in your daily life contain sodium citrate? You may not have seen it. But after you understand it, you will find that sodium citrate is widely used.
1.Processed Cheese
Have you ever questioned why processed cheese never separates into a greasy mess? Sodium citrate, added to cheese during production, is a possible contributor. The cheese business relies heavily on this food additive to enhance the quality of its processed cheeses. To keep the cheese from becoming slippery and separated, sodium citrate is added to help emulsify and stabilize it. Moreover, sodium citrate is added to processed cheese to make it more workable in various culinary applications, such as slicing and melting.
2. Beverages
Sodium citrate can be used in various ways to improve beverages' taste, texture, and shelf life.
Sodium citrate is used as an acid regulator in beverages to help maintain a consistent pH level. It is essential because varying pH levels can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, spoilage, and shortened shelf life of the product. Sodium citrate works by neutralizing acidic or alkaline substances in beverages, making it easier to control and maintain desired pH levels and improving the safety and quality of drinks.
Sodium citrate, slightly acidic or sour, can be used as a flavor enhancer for certain beverages to enhance the overall flavor of the liquid, such as sports drinks and fruit juices. Also, it reduces the bitterness of some ingredients and improves the overall taste of the product.
Sodium citrate can be used as an emulsifier in beverages such as chocolate milk, helping to mix immiscible liquids into a stable emulsion. It is because sodium citrate helps to emulsify the cocoa powder and milk, creating a smooth and consistent texture throughout the drink. It also helps prevent ingredients from separating and settling, thus making the beverages more attractive to consumers.
Sodium citrate is commonly used in various beverages, including soft drinks, fruit juices, and sports drinks. It prevents beverages from spoiling over time by controlling the pH of the beverage and creating an environment that is less likely to harbor bacteria.
3. Jams and jellies
Sodium citrate is used as a gelling agent in jams and jellies to help thicken and solidify the mixture. Jams and jellies are made by boiling fruit with sugar and pectin. Adding sodium citrate to them can help the pectin molecules bind together more effectively, resulting in a firmer and more stable gel. In addition, sodium citrate can help lower the pH of the mixture, creating a more acidic environment and extending the product's shelf life.
4. Ice cream
Sodium citrate has a variety of uses in the ice cream industry. One of its primary uses is as an emulsifying salt, which helps stabilize the mixture and prevents it from separating. Sodium citrate does this by binding fat and water molecules together, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture necessary for high-quality ice cream.
Sodium citrate is also used as an acidity regulator in ice cream to prevent the ice cream from becoming too acidic or too sweet. This property is particularly useful in ice creams containing sour fruit flavors.
Also, ice crystals are produced during the production of ice cream, which can give the ice cream a grainy texture and reduce its overall quality. Therefore, adding sodium citrate to ice cream production can also prevent ice crystals formation and improve the ice cream's surface.
Sodium citrate is a safe and effective natural preservative that inhibits the growth of yeasts, molds, and other microorganisms. Because of this, sodium citrate is commonly used in many processed meats, cheeses, and drinks. It can assist these products in keeping their safety and freshness for longer lengths of time after they have been packaged.
Did you know that there are fantastic health benefits to sodium citrate? One of its most important advantages is that it helps keep kidney stones from forming. Extreme pain and agony caused by kidney stones are frequent medical problems. Stones can form in the kidneys or the urinary system when there is an excess of certain minerals in the urine. Because of this, the minerals are unable to solidify into stone. Sodium citrate raises the urine's pH and can help reduce the fluid's acidity. Studies have shown that using sodium citrate as a supplement can significantly reduce the chance of kidney stones, especially for those prone to acquiring them repeatedly.
Our bodies are naturally slightly acidic, contributing to various health problems like inflammation and mineral imbalances. Sodium citrate increases the pH level of our blood and tissues, making them more alkaline.
When our body is more alkaline, it can help reduce inflammation and support overall health. Additionally, an alkaline environment can help improve our body's ability to absorb certain nutrients, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals are better immersed in an alkaline environment and can help support strong bones and teeth.
Our bodies must maintain a specific pH level to function correctly; sodium citrate can help keep that balance in check. When the pH level in our body is too acidic, it can lead to various health problems, including inflammation, joint pain, and digestive issues. Using sodium citrate to regulate our pH levels can help reduce the risk of these health problems and promote overall wellness.
Sodium citrate is one of many additives used in the food industry to improve food safety and quality. However, the characteristics and applications of sodium citrate are unique, and there are some key differences between it and other similar additives. We will explore some of the differences between sodium citrate and other typical food additives so that you can make an informed choice for your desired product.
Sodium citrate and citric acid are both food additives commonly used in the food industry, but they have some key differences.
| Name | Sodium Citrate | Citric Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | white cubic crystals or granular powder | white particles, or white crystalline powder |
| Chemical | Sodium salt of citric | Weak organic acid |
| Composition | C6H5Na3O7 | C6H8O7 |
| pH level | Acidic | Acidic |
| Taste | Salty | Sour |
| Function | Emulsifier and preservative | Acidity regulator and flavor enhancer |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water | Highly soluble in water |
| Name | Sodium Citrate | Lactic acid |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | white cubic crystals or granular powder | Powder and transparent colorless liquid |
| Chemical | Sodium salt of citric | Organic acid produced |
| Composition | C6H5Na3O7 | C3H6O3 |
| pH level | Alkaline | Acidic |
| Taste | Salty | Sour |
| Function | Emulsifier and preservative | Acidity regulator and flavor enhancer |
| Highly soluble in water | Highly soluble in water | Soluble in water and alcohol |
I'm curious if you are familiar with sodium chloride or sodium citrate. Although both are classified as food additives, their uses and applications are different.
| Name | Sodium Citrate | Sodium Chloride |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | white cubic crystals or granular powder | white crystalline powder or cubic crystals |
| Chemical | Sodium salt of citric | Inorganic compound |
| C6H5Na3O7 | C6H5Na3O7 | NaCl |
| pH level | Alkaline | Neutral |
| Taste | Salty | Salty |
| Function | Emulsifier and preservative | Seasoning and and flavor enhancer |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water | Highly soluble in water |
Sodium citrate and trisodium citrate are both citric acid compounds but have different chemical structures and properties.
| Properties | Sodium Citrate | Trisodium Citrate |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Na3C6H5O7 | Na3C6H5O7.2H2O |
| Appearance | White, crystalline powder | White, crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water | Highly soluble in water |
| pH | Around 7 | Around 8.6 |
| Uses | Acidity regulator, emulsifier, preservative in food industry, also used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries | Flavor enhancer, preservative, buffering agent in food industry, also used in medical field to treat kidney stones and urinary tract infections |
| Safety | Generally recognized as safe by FDA | Generally recognized as safe by FDA, but excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal issues |
The above are some food additives that are commonly used in the food industry and are similar to sodium citrate. You can choose the most suitable food additive according to your business needs.
In conclusion, sodium citrate is a valuable ingredient that can provide numerous benefits to the food industry. It is used as a preservative, emulsifier, stabilizer, and flavor enhancer in various food products.
It is also used in the medical, cosmetic, and cleaning products industries. As a supplier, it is our responsibility to ensure that we provide our customers with the highest quality sodium citrate possible and maintain consistency in product quality, purity, and packaging.
