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Ascorbic Acid

What is Ascorbic Acid?

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is widely used across food and beverage manufacturing due to its multifunctional properties which include:

  • Antioxidant & Preservation: Inhibits oxidation in juices, fruit preparations, and processed foods to retain color, flavor, and nutritional quality during storage and distribution. It helps delay enzymatic browning in cut fruits, vegetables, and potato products.
  • Nutritional Fortification: Used to boost vitamin C content in beverages, breakfast cereals, nutrition bars, and fortified foods, addressing dietary needs and labeling claims.
  • pH Adjustment & Flavor Balance: Contributes to acidity control in beverages and food systems, helping achieve desired flavor profiles and product stability.
  • Dough Conditioning: In bakery applications, ascorbic acid enhances gluten strength and gas retention, improving loaf volume and crumb structure.
  • Meat & Poultry Processing: Helps preserve color, slows oxidation in cured meats, and can improve shelf life when used alongside other curing agents.

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Ascorbic Acid Technical & Product Specifications

Characteristic Specification
Chemical Name / Synonyms Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid, E300)
CAS Number 50-81-7
Molecular Formula / Weight C₆H₈O₆ / 176.12 g/mol
Appearance White to pale yellow crystalline powder
Taste Sharp, acidic
Solubility Freely soluble in water
pH (5% aqueous) ~2.2–2.5
Relative Density ~1.65–1.70 (water = 1)
Partition Coefficient (log Pow) ~-2
Flash Point Not applicable (non-flammable)
Certifications / Grades FCC, USP food-grade with Kosher status available
Packaging Options 55lb / 25kg bags
Typical Assay (Purity) 99.0 – 100.5% (food/USP)
Microbial Limits Conforms to FCC/USP food safety standards

 

Regulatory & Handling Considerations

  • Food Regulatory Approvals: Authorized for use in food and beverages in the U.S (FDA) and globally under food additive regulations (e.g., EU E300 designation).
  • Stability: Sensitive to heat and prolonged high processing temperatures, which can reduce antioxidant activity. Heat exposure may require formulation adjustment.
  • Ingredient Interactions: When used with benzoate preservatives and under certain heating conditions, careful formulation consideration is advised to avoid potential degradation products (industry observations note benzene formation risks when ascorbic acid and benzoates interact at high heat).

Benefits of Ascorbic Acid for Food & Beverage Manufacturers

  • Enhances oxidative stability and shelf life
  • Balances acidity and flavor profiles
  • Supports nutritional fortification requirements
  • Improves functional qualities (e.g., dough conditioning)
  • Meets global food-grade standards for safety and purity

About American International Foods, Inc. (AIFI) - An Ascorbic Acid Supplier & Distributor

American International Foods, Inc. is a leading ascorbic acid supplier with an additional full-service portfolio of over 2500 food and beverage ingredients. We offer one of the most extensive lines of vitamin ingredients distributed to manufacturers and processors in the food, beverage, pet food, health and nutrition sectors. With a strategic nationwide warehouse network and our reliable just-in-time deliveries, we can supply your business with high quality vitamins at competitive prices.