You might be surprised to find out how prevalent food-grade chemicals are in all types of industries. In its simplest definition, a food-grade chemical is an additive that is safe for consumption. By adding these types of ingredients to your products, you can modify texture, acidify and preserve foods and drinks in addition to creating a distinct splash of flavor.
That’s not all. Food-grade chemicals can do much more and are used in household and personal-care products, too.
Flavor Splashes and Antioxidants
Citric acid is probably the most recognizable food-grade chemical, as it’s found in a number of beverages (especially soft drinks) and foods. Companies use citric acid to generate a sour flavor to products and has become extremely popular throughout the beverage industry.
Similarly, fumaric acid and malic acid are primarily used for taste. Fumaric acid gives products a fruity taste, while malic acid, an organic compound that gives fruit its sour taste, is also used to enhance flavor.
Food and Beverage Preservatives
Antioxidants like ascorbic acid hinder the effects oxygen can have on food and add health benefits to those who consume them. Plus, ascorbic acid is a synthetic vitamin C and is an effective solution for products that need it (plus, it looks a lot less threatening on the label this way).
Potassium sorbate is not only popular in food (particularly cheese) and wine, but also personal-care products. Likewise, potassium benzoate works to prevent the growth of mold and yeast in foods.
Sodium benzoate is a popular preservative with acidic foods. Carbonated beverages and fruit juices benefit, as do pickles, condiments and jams. Many salad dressings include sodium benzoate, and perhaps surprisingly, medicines and cosmetics also rely on the preservative.
More Food-Grade Chemicals
Beyond taste and preservation, high-quality food-grade chemicals can alter the texture, color, viscosity and any number of other attributes. Thickeners, sweeteners, emulsifiers (in products like mayonnaise, an emulsifier keeps water and oil mixed together) and food coloring are just a few of these food-grade chemicals.
These chemicals are crucial to many of the foods, drinks and personal-care products you’re already consuming and using. Take a look at the ingredients labels around the house. Is there any similarity between your lip balm and your favorite soda?
Because these chemicals are so important and can do so much, it’s important to know the companies producing the products you buy are using ingredients of the highest quality. If they’re buying from Bremer, you know they are. Let us quote your food-grade chemicals and additives.