A natural acidulant and preservative used to balance flavor, extend shelf life, and improve texture in foods, beverages, and confections.

Key Benefits

• Provides bright, tart flavor and pH control

• Preserves freshness and extends shelf life

• Improves gelling and setting of jams, jellies, and hydrocolloid systems

• Enhances effervescence in candies and beverages

• Plant-based, gluten-free, non-GMO, Kosher (K)

• Available in 2-oz, 8-oz, and 16-oz packs

Properties

• Dietary: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO, Kosher (K)

• Ingredient: 100% Pure Citric Acid (anhydrous crystals)

• Allergens: None

• Documentation: COA | SDS | SPECs | Certificates

What It Does

Citric Acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits. It is one of the most widely used food additives in the world, providing acidity, tartness, and preservation. It regulates pH in foods, enhances the action of pectin and gelling agents, and prevents spoilage by lowering microbial growth potential.

Popular Uses

• Beverages: Adds tartness and balances sweetness

• Jams & Jellies: Activates pectin for proper gel setting

• Confectionery: Creates tangy sour candies and effervescent fizz

• Canning & Preserving: Lowers pH to prevent spoilage

• Household Uses: Descaling, cleaning, bath bombs, and cosmetics

How to Use

• Dosage: 0.1%–1.0% by weight, depending on application

• Beverages: Add small amounts for tartness and balance

• Preservation: Ensure final product pH < 4.6 for food safety

• Jams/Jellies: Add to fruit mixture before cooking for optimal pectin gelation

Pro Tips

• Pair with pectin when making jams/jellies for stronger, consistent gels.

• Dissolve completely to avoid crystallization in syrups or beverages.

• For bath bombs, combine with sodium bicarbonate for effervescent fizz.

Pair With

• Pectin — essential partner for jams and jellies

• Agar Agar — improved gel setting with acid balance

• Calcium Lactate — for firming fruits and vegetables in canning

Storage & Shelf Life

• Keep sealed in a cool, dry place.

• Shelf life: 2 years under proper storage.

Why Cape Crystal

• Premium food-grade citric acid with consistent purity

• Trusted by chefs, canners, confectioners, and home experimenters

• Supported with full documentation and excellent service

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Citric Acid used for?
A: It is used as a flavor enhancer, preservative, and acidulant in beverages, jams, candies, and canning.

Q: How does Citric Acid help in jam-making?
A: It lowers the pH and activates pectin, ensuring jams and jellies set properly.

Q: How much Citric Acid should I use?
A: Usage varies — typically 0.1%–1.0% of the recipe weight depending on application.

Q: Is Citric Acid natural?
A: Yes — it occurs naturally in citrus fruits, though food-grade powder is usually produced via fermentation for purity and consistency.

Q: Is Cape Crystal Citric Acid safe and food-grade?
A: Yes — it’s 100% food-grade, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and Kosher certified.

Customer Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made my homemade jam set perfectly!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great quality — clean sour kick in my candies.”

Call to Action

Brighten flavors, preserve freshness, and set perfect gels. Order Cape Crystal Brands Citric Acid today in 2-oz, 8-oz, or 16-oz sizes.

Here are some delicious recipes to try that feature this ingredient:

FRANCO-AMERICAN CREAM CHEESE – Cape Crystal Brands

DELICIOUS CARAMEL SAUCE with a CITRIC ACID ZIP – Cape Crystal Brands