Food & Beverages
Citric acid enhances tartness in carbonated beverages (0.1-0.25%), complements fruit flavors, and boosts antimicrobial preservatives due to its high solubility. In uncarbonated fruit drinks, it adjusts pH (0.25-0.4%) for uniform acidity. Soft drink mixes use 1.5-5% citric acid for rapid solubility and natural taste. In jams, jellies, and preserves, it adjusts pH (3.0-3.4) for optimal gelation, added as a 50% solution. Citric acid adds sourness to candies (0.5-2%), prevents browning in cut fruits, stabilizes dairy and meats, and acts as an anticoagulant in canned vegetables to reduce heating requirements.
Citric acid in food products
Pharmaceuticals
Citric acid drives effervescence in tablets by reacting with bicarbonate to release CO₂, aiding rapid dissolution and improving palatability for antacids and analgesics. It buffers oral liquids, elixirs, and suspensions to pH 3.5-4.5 for stability and enhances preservative activity. Citric acid forms citrate salts (e.g., sodium, potassium, cupric, ferric) for cough mixtures and medical treatments.
Effervescent tablets
Cosmetics & Personal Care
As an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), citric acid exfoliates skin, brightens complexion, and balances pH in shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, bath bombs, and creams. It removes mineral buildup from hard water, enhancing hair and skin smoothness.
Cosmetic products with citric acid
Cleaning & Household Products
Citric acid’s chelating properties remove limescale, soap scum, rust, and hard water stains in dishwasher tablets, bathroom cleaners, and surface disinfectants. It acts as a biodegradable, eco-friendly phosphate substitute in laundry powders, liquids, and hard surface cleaners.
Eco-friendly cleaning products
Industrial & Technical Applications
- Metal cleaning and electroplating: Chelates metals for surface preparation.
- Textile printing and softening: Acts as a pH buffer and dye-fixing agent in glyoxalin resins for durable-press finishes.
- Industrial fermentation: Aids in enzyme and citric acid production.
- Paper processing: Used in packaging material production.
- Adhesives: Acts as a gelation retarder.
- Mineral and pigment slurries: Reduces viscosity and enhances sulfur dioxide absorption in calcium carbonate slurries.
Textile dyeing process
Environmental & Agriculture
Used in biodegradable formulations, as a pH regulator in fertilizers, and in organic pesticides to enhance micronutrient absorption. Citric acid supports soil amendment and hydroponic nutrient solutions, promoting plant growth.
Hydroponic farming
Additional Uses
Biological Role
Central to the Krebs cycle, citric acid is essential for energy production in all living cells, from plants to humans.
Fungal Production
Produced via eco-friendly fermentation of sugars using Aspergillus niger, yielding high-purity citric acid.
Biological Role
Central to the Krebs cycle, citric acid is essential for energy production in all living cells, from plants to humans.
Fungal Production
Produced via eco-friendly fermentation of sugars using Aspergillus niger, yielding high-purity citric acid.
Sour Candies
Coats candies like Sour Patch Kids, providing intense sourness for a delightful taste.
Chelating Agent
Binds metal ions for boiler cleaning, water softening, industrial descaling, and preserving food and cosmetic stability.
Effervescent Tablets
Reacts with sodium bicarbonate to create fizzy tablets (e.g., vitamin C) that dissolve quickly in water.
Laboratory Buffers
Maintains pH in chemical reactions, enzyme studies, and tissue preservation in laboratories.
Wine Production
Adjusts acidity in wines to enhance flavor balance and stability during fermentation.
Cheese and Dairy
Stabilizes cheeses and dairy products, extending shelf life and maintaining texture.
Fish and Shellfish
Inhibits rancidity and color changes in frozen fish and shellfish, often used with erythorbic acid (0.25% solution).
Construction
Acts as a retarder in gypsum-based materials, controlling setting time in plaster and cement.
Battery Recycling
Extracts and purifies metals in lead-acid battery recycling, reducing environmental impact.
India’s Growing Demand
India’s citric acid market is booming due to rising demand in food processing, cleaning, and pharmaceuticals, with imports mainly from China and Europe.