Many popular drinks and food items on the market today contain citric acid, which serves as one of the most commonly used preservatives. When we hear the term "preservative," our minds often jump to canned or boxed items at the grocery store that we've been warned to avoid. And in many cases, that warning holds true. However, citric acid stands out as one of the few preservatives that is entirely natural.
True to its name, citric acid is derived from citrus fruits. Its acidic properties make it an effective preservative by inhibiting the growth of mold and bacteria. In fact, it is the go-to preservative for the beverage industry, making it an essential component of their production.
Despite its increasing popularity, citric acid has raised concerns among some people. The mention of preservatives usually triggers thoughts of harmful substances. Fortunately, this is not the case with citric acid. In fact, it offers a plethora of benefits, including energy metabolism, nutrient absorption, and even the potential to prevent or treat kidney stones!(1)
However, it's important to note that the one potential side effect of citric acid is tooth decay, much like with other acidic substances such as coffee, pineapple, or lemonade. This can easily be mitigated by simply rinsing your mouth with water after consuming products containing citric acid or by using a straw when enjoying beverages that contain it.(2)
At Sol Energy, we exclusively utilize citric acid as the preservative in our drinks. Our aim was to create a natural product that not only maintains its freshness but also delivers a great taste, and citric acid accomplishes that perfectly.
Sources:
1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/citric-acid#safety
2. https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/chemicals/citric-acid/