Citric acid is available to the public through several sales channels. The place where you decide to buy it depends on the use you want to make of it and the quantity you need. It is a weak acid that industry and ordinary people often use because it is a preservative, a chelator and has a sour taste. Citric acid is important for making preserves, for making cheeses, beers, homemade candies and is an ingredient in some recipes. People use it for craft projects, such as making fizzy bath bombs, or conducting laboratory experiments. You can buy it both as anhydrous and as a monohydrate.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Buying Citric Acid for Food Use
Step 1. Evaluate the quantity needed
The dose of citric acid you need determines which store to buy it from. Small quantities are available in pharmacies or grocery stores, while for large stocks it is best to turn to a wholesaler or online retailers.
- Read your project or recipe instructions to figure out how much you need.
- Increase the dose if you plan to prepare several batches of product or if you want to have stock to repeat the experiment. For example, if you want to try your hand at a dairy business and want to make cheese regularly, you need to buy enough citric acid for several uses.
Step 2. Look for it in the supermarket
Food grade is usually available in powder form. Purchasing at the supermarket is cheaper for small quantities, for example for packs of 90-150 g.
- Look for it among the shelves of products for the preparation of preserves. It is often displayed next to pectin, other ingredients and materials to make jams.
- Sometimes, it is indicated with the initials E330, the name used in the food industry.
Step 3. Look for it in health food stores
Organic shops often have citric acid available even in larger quantities than normal supermarkets. Call the store before you go in person to make sure it has enough stock for your needs.
Step 4. Go to restaurant supply stores
Wholesalers who mainly supply bakeries, pastry shops and confectionery companies also sell citric acid. They usually have large stocks in stock and can sell it to you in large quantities. If you need a lot of acid, call the store before you go there.
Consider buying at least half a kilo. These retailers typically don't have smaller packs
Step 5. Find a store that deals with wine making materials
Some amateur winemakers often use citric acid to regulate the acidity level of fruity wines. A retailer supplying such materials usually employs highly trained salespeople who can give you various interesting information about using citric acid for your particular project.
Step 6. Shop online
Virtual stores can make large quantities available, as well as small packages, and many sell citric acid in bulk by the kilogram. You can avoid going to the shops and receive the product directly at home. If you need to use it for a recipe or to prepare something edible, remember to choose the food version.
Take into account shipping costs, which can make citric acid bought online more expensive than what is available at a wholesaler or restaurant supply store. However, the prices per kilogram you can find online are better than those charged by supermarkets
Method 2 of 2: Purchase Generic Citric Acid
Step 1. Choose the form of citric acid you want to buy
It is available in anhydrous and monohydrate form. The first means that it is without water, therefore it has a more powdery consistency than the monohydrate solution which instead contains water.
- Anhydrous citric acid is usually used to make fizzy bath bombs, but monohydrate also works.
- Unless the project instructions indicate a specific wording, you can use whichever one you prefer.
Step 2. Look for citric acid at craft stores
Anhydrous is available on the shelves of products for making soap, as it is a very common ingredient in fizzy bath bombs. Call the store in advance to find out if they have enough stock to meet your needs.
Step 3. Purchase it through a chemical laboratory supply company
These retailers can offer you different types of citric acid in terms of consistency, intended use, quantity and shape. Learn about all types of products sold by a specific company. Many retailers create their own legend to indicate product quality and consistency. Citric acid is sold under different definitions including:
- For food use;
- For professional use in the laboratory that meets specific standards;
- For pharmaceutical use that meets the criteria and specifications established for the production of medicines.
Warnings
- Use only the food grade citric acid type for the preparation of baked goods, candies, preserves, cheeses or beers. What you use to make fizzy bath bombs may not be suitable for human consumption.
- When working with citric acid, wear protective gloves to avoid skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
