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Citrates
From the refreshing tartness of a citrus beverage, to the smooth, even melting of cheese, to the just-trimmed appearance of fresh meat, a wide range of foods and beverages rely on label-friendly citrates for flavor and freshness.
Citrates are exceptionally versatile ingredients, contributing flavor, functionality and stability to a full menu of products. Sodium citrate and potassium citrate are salts found in nature. Cargill research shows that citric acid has a positive net health perception and purchase influence.*
Label-friendly, cost-effective alternatives to more chemical-sounding ingredients
Naturally occurring in citrus fruits but produced more sustainably via fermentation
Added functionality: Shelf life, manage pH, mask bitterness, highly bioavailable**
Reliable quality and supply
Cargill's well-established acidulant plants in Iowa and Brazil offer a reliable supply of high-quality citrate ingredients, backed by best-in-class lead times and a steadfast reputation for product safety, consistency, and traceability.
Cargill Citrate Salts
Each product is considered "GRAS" (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products may be used in food with no limitations other than current good manufacturing practice.
Sodium citrate is a salt produced by neutralizing citric acid. It is alkaline and odorless, with a slight saline taste. Cargill’s sodium citrate appears as translucent, white crystals and is available in granular and fine-granular particles.
- Buffering agent that helps manage pH
- Preservative to maintain product quality, stability
- Emulsifying properties aid blending, melting
- Minimizes bitter aftertastes, smooths out flavor
- Supports rehydration as a source of electrolytes
Versatile Applications
Bakery
Beverages
Confectionery
Convenience
Dairy
Infant Nutrition
Jams/Jellies
Meats
Nutritional Supplements
Sauces/Seasonings
Snacks/Cereals
Included in the chart are the acidulants ingredient certifications along with the monograph specifications.
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Cargill nature-derived citric acid and its salts, sodium citrate and potassium citrate, are familiar ingredients that combine label-friendly acceptance with robust functionality.
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Citric acid occurs in citrus fruits like lemons, limes and oranges. Today, it is produced cost-effectively for food processing needs via fermentation.
Download* Cargill IngredienTracker™ research, 2023.
** Compared to alternative ingredients.
Some Cargill products are only approved for use in certain geographies, end uses, and/or at certain usage levels. It is the customer's responsibility to determine, for a particular geography, that (i) the Cargill product, its use and usage levels, (ii) the customer's product and its use, and (iii) any claims made about the customer's product, all comply with applicable laws and regulations.