Sodium citrate (trisodium citrate dihydrate) is produced by the complete neutralization of citric acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate, followed by crystallization from aqueous solution. The product is a white, crystalline, granular powder with a cool, saline taste and pleasant mouthfeel.
It is highly soluble in water and functions as an effective buffer that maintains pH stability in the range of 3.0 to 6.5 when used in combination with citric acid. Sodium citrate is one of the most widely used food additives globally, found in thousands of commercial food and beverage products. The ingredient demonstrates excellent chelating properties, binding metal ions that can catalyze oxidative deterioration and off-flavor development in food products.
