Citric acid can be purchased at various stores. The store chosen to buy citric acid from depends on the intended use and the amount of citric acid to be purchased. Citric acid is a weak acid that is often used by individuals and industry because of its chelating, preservative and sour taste. Citric acid is important for canning, cheese making, home brewing, and candy making. This acid is one of the ingredients for several recipes. Citric acid is also used for various craft projects such as sizzling bath salts, or perhaps for use in the laboratory. You can buy citric acid in anhydrous or monohydrate form.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Buying Food Grade Citric Acid
Step 1. Determine the amount of citric acid to be purchased
This will determine where you buy. Buying in small quantities can usually be done at the grocery store, while larger purchases have to be at a large store or online.
- See the instructions for an activity or recipe that will use citric acid to find out how much citric acid you need.
- Buy more citric acid if you plan to make multiple servings of a recipe or repeat the citric acid project several times. For example, if you plan to use citric acid to make cheese on a regular basis, get enough citric acid to use multiple times.
Step 2. Look for citric acid in the nearest supermarket
Citric acid for food is usually available in powder form. It's best to buy citric acid at the grocery store if only a small amount of citric acid is needed, such as a 3 to 5 ounce (85 g to 142 g) bottle.
- Look for citric acid in the canned food section. Citric acid is often placed near pectin and other canned food ingredients.
- Look for citric acid called tamarind salt in the halal food section or condiment aisle.
Step 3. Look for citric acid at a natural food store
Health food stores often sell citric acid in a wider variety of sizes than the typical grocery store. Contact the store before stopping by the store to make sure it has the right amount of citric acid for your needs.
Step 4. Go shopping at a restaurant supply store
Stores providing supplies to restaurants, particularly supplies for making cakes and sweets, may also sell citric acid. Stores of this type may also provide large quantities. If you need large amounts of citric acid, check these stores first.
Plan to purchase a minimum of 0.45 kg of citric acid. Smaller quantities may not be available in the market
Step 5. Find a shop that sells supplies for home brewing
Home brewers often use citric acid, for example, to regulate the acidity of fruit wines. A specialty home brewer may have staff who are well versed in detailed information on how to use citric acid for the project you're working on.
Step 6. Buy on the internet
Online vendors provide citric acid in large and small containers, many also selling it by the kilogram. No need to go shopping and the citric acid will be delivered straight to your door. If you are buying citric acid for something to eat, remember to buy food grade citric acid.
Take shipping costs into account, as buying citric acid online can be more expensive than local restaurant supply stores. However, online prices are generally more competitive than the price per kilogram in convenience stores
Method 2 of 2: Purchasing Citric Acid for General Use
Step 1. Select the form of citric acid to buy
Citric acid is available in monohydrate and anhydrous forms. Anhydrous means that it does not contain water, so citric acid in this form is more like flour than the monohydrate form that contains water.
- Anhydrous citric acid is commonly used in bomb soaps, but the monohydrate form can also be used.
- Unless the instructions for the activity you are doing require the use of one form of citric acid, any form can be used.
Step 2. Look for citric acid at a craft store
Anhydrous citric acid may be available in the soap-making section of a craft store, as it is a common ingredient in sizzling bomb soaps. Contact the store before visiting to ensure the availability of citric acid in the amount you need.
Step 3. Obtain citric acid from a chemical supply company
Chemical supply sources can provide the largest number of supply options in terms of quality, texture, quantity and form. Read the entire description of the supplier about the quality provided. Many suppliers also make citric acid grade labels to indicate the quality of the chemical. In the United States, citric acid has several classes, including:
- Food Chemical Codex (FCC)- food grade
- American Chemical Society (ACS) class - the substances contained meet the standards set by the ACS for chemical reagents in its publications.
- United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Class - a substance that meets the specifications in the USP's "Reactants, Indicators and Solutions" section.
Warning
- Don't use non-food grade citric acid in baking bread, making candy, canning food, making cheese, or brewing beer at home. The citric acid used to make bath bombs may not be safe for consumption.
- Wear protective gloves when working with citric acid, especially if you have sensitive skin.
