Citric acid is a common additive because of its many benefits and minimal environmental impact. The three main industries that use citric acid are food, cosmetics, and cleaning products

Citric acid acts as a preservative in many processed foods, keeping them fresh. It does this by slowing or helping prevent the formation of bacteria, mold, yeast, and fungus.

It retains a food’s color, flavor, and texture. This delays how quickly food spoils, increasing its shelf life.

Additionally, it can help balance the pH level, or acidity, of a food or beverage. For example, when manufacturers add citric acid to wine, it improves low acidity and taste