Foods & BeveragesIn Stock

Sodium Citrate

Name: Zenco Systems Ltd - Chemical Division
Address: Industrial Area, Enterprise Road, KCB Building, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: +254114591982
Price range: KES

Sodium Citrate is a versatile food-grade chemical used as a buffering agent, emulsifier, and acidity regulator in various industries.

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Packaging

25kg bags, 50kg drums

Supply Region

Kenya, East Africa

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is Sodium Citrate?

Sodium Citrate functions primarily as a buffering agent, helping to maintain stable pH levels in aqueous systems, and as an emulsifier that facilitates the uniform dispersion of fats and oils into water-based solutions. These functional behaviors make it indispensable in several industrial sectors, especially in foods and beverages, where controlling acidity and texture is critical. Characterized chemically as trisodium citrate dihydrate (Na3C6H5O7·2H2O), this white crystalline powder easily dissolves in water, lending itself to predictable, controllable reactions in formulation processes.

Industries across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and the broader East African region rely on sodium citrate for its reliable performance in food processing, pharmaceutical preparation, cosmetics formulation, and even in certain water treatment scenarios. Zenco Systems Ltd supplies this product with a commitment to quality consistency and logistical efficiency, ensuring manufacturers have dependable access to this essential additive. Its commercial importance lies not only in its multifunctionality but also in its role enhancing product stability, safety, and sensory qualities.

Sodium Citrate: Detailed Product Overview

Sodium Citrate is the trisodium salt of citric acid, naturally derived yet industrially manufactured via neutralizing citric acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. The dihydrate form, prevalent in commercial use, includes two molecules of water in its crystalline structure, influencing solubility and handling. When dissolved, it dissociates into sodium ions and citrate ions, the latter acting as a buffering agent by balancing hydrogen ion concentrations and resisting drastic pH changes in formulated products.

This buffering capacity is particularly vital in food and pharmaceutical applications, where pH stability affects product safety, taste, and bioavailability. Additionally, citrate ions chelate metal ions, preventing oxidative degradation and stabilizing emulsions by disrupting metal-catalyzed reactions. Its role as an emulsifier comes from this chelation and its ability to reduce surface tension between immiscible phases, aiding uniform texture and shelf-life extension in processed foods.

Sodium Citrate’s water retention property is also significant, especially in confectionery and baked goods, where moisture balance determines final product quality. The compound’s chelating features extend to medical use, serving as an anticoagulant in blood collection by binding calcium ions essential for coagulation pathways.

Performance-wise, sodium citrate is favored for its non-toxicity and compliance with food-grade standards, along with excellent solubility in water, making it easy to dose and integrate into liquid systems. Its stability under typical storage and processing conditions, combined with neutral to mildly alkaline pH, reduces corrosion risks to equipment. Zenco Systems Ltd rigorously tests each batch to ensure conformity with specification, crucial for clients in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania who depend on consistent and reliable supply chains.

Applications and Uses of Sodium Citrate

Buffering Agent in Food and Beverage

Sodium Citrate is routinely employed to stabilize pH in acidic and dairy-based beverages, preventing undesirable flavor changes and coagulation. Typical usage ranges from 0.1% to 0.3% by weight depending on product needs, where it ensures consistent taste and prevents spoilage. Its buffering capability maintains product freshness and improves the mouthfeel of soft drinks, processed cheeses, and fruit juices, making it a cornerstone additive in the foods and beverages sector.

Emulsifier for Cosmetics

In cosmetic formulations, sodium citrate acts as an emulsifier that assists in creating stable blends of water and oil phases. Used at low concentrations, it helps secure texture, prevent phase separation, and improve the absorption of active ingredients. Its chelating properties also protect formulations from metal-induced degradation, extending shelf life of creams and lotions commonly produced for East African markets.

Pharmaceutical Excipient

Pharmaceutical manufacturers incorporate sodium citrate as an excipient to regulate pH, enhance solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients, and stabilize formulations. Its inclusion improves drug stability and bioavailability, particularly in oral and injectable products. The chemical’s biocompatibility and non-toxicity make it suitable for medicines distributed throughout Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Anticoagulant in Blood Collection

Sodium Citrate serves as an anticoagulant by chelating calcium ions, which are essential to the blood clotting cascade. It’s used extensively in blood collection tubes and plasma preparation to maintain fluidity and prevent clotting during transportation and analysis. This application demands precise solution concentrations typically around 3.2% to 3.8% w/v, highlighting the product’s critical role in medical diagnostics.

Water Treatment Process

In water treatment, sodium citrate functions as a sequestrant that binds metal ions like calcium and magnesium, preventing scale formation and facilitating corrosion control. Though less common than other chelating agents, its biodegradable nature and moderate chelation strength make it a preferred choice in specialized industrial water treatment formulas aimed at East African industrial plants.

Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Foods & Beverages range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.

Benefits and Advantages

Stabilizes pH for Product Consistency

Sodium Citrate offers reliable pH buffering, which is critical in maintaining consistent product performance in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. This stability prevents negative changes such as spoilage, texture breakdown, or efficiency loss, reducing batch rejections and saving costs associated with quality control.

Enhances Shelf Life and Texture

By acting as an emulsifier and chelating agent, sodium citrate maintains uniformity and prevents separation in emulsions, crucial for shelf stability in processed foods and personal care products. This prolongs usability, improves consumer acceptance, and minimizes product waste across supply chains.

Supports Multiple Industry Applications

Its multifunctional properties—buffering, emulsifying, chelating—allow sodium citrate to serve diverse roles in numerous industries, simplifying procurement and reducing the need for multiple additives. This operational versatility helps manufacturers streamline formulations and optimize inventory management.

Non-Toxic with Food-Grade Compliance

Sodium Citrate is safe for food contact and pharmaceutical use, meeting strict regulatory standards. This ensures that end-products comply with local and international food safety laws, facilitating smoother market access in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring countries.

Easy Handling and Integration

With excellent water solubility and physical stability, sodium citrate can be seamlessly incorporated into liquid or solid formulations. Its neutral to mildly alkaline pH minimizes corrosion risks on processing equipment, enhancing operational safety and reducing maintenance costs.

Packaging Information

Sodium Citrate is supplied primarily in 25kg bags, suitable for factories with medium-scale usage and convenient for transport around East Africa. For larger industrial users, 50kg drums are available, providing bulk supply options that optimize handling efficiency and storage. Zenco Systems Ltd supports logistics across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania with secure packaging designed to protect against moisture ingress during transit. Special packaging requests can be discussed to meet specific client needs or project requirements.

Standard formats: 25kg bags, 50kg drums

Storage and Handling

Store sodium citrate in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and moisture, as its crystalline form is hygroscopic and prone to clumping if exposed to humidity. Recommended storage temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C. Avoid contact with strong acids or oxidizers during storage to preserve chemical stability. Always handle with gloves and dust masks to minimize exposure to powder. Following these practices maintains product integrity and shelf life, typically up to two years under proper conditions.

Safety Information

Sodium Citrate is generally regarded as safe when handled appropriately but can cause mild irritation to eyes or respiratory tract if inhaled or contacted directly. Use personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and dust masks when handling in powdered form. In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water. Dispose of residues in accordance with local environmental regulations. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Zenco Systems Ltd for detailed hazard and response information.

Full hazard detail is available in the technical data sheet.

Technical Specifications

GradeConfirm with supplier

PurityConfirm with supplier

FormulaNa3C6H5O7·2H2O

Packaging25kg bags, 50kg drums

AppearanceWhite crystalline powder

CAS Number6132-04-3

Chemical NameTrisodium citrate dihydrate

Storage ConditionsKeep sealed in a cool, dry place, away from moisture

Applications

Buffering agent in food and beverage
Emulsifier for cosmetics
Pharmaceutical excipient
Anticoagulant in blood collection
Water treatment process

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

GradeConfirm with supplier

PurityConfirm with supplier

FormulaNa3C6H5O7·2H2O

Packaging25kg bags, 50kg drums

AppearanceWhite crystalline powder

CAS Number6132-04-3

Chemical NameTrisodium citrate dihydrate

Storage ConditionsKeep sealed in a cool, dry place, away from moisture

Product Features

- White crystalline powder
- Highly water soluble
- Effective pH buffering agent
- Metal ion chelating properties
- Non-toxic, food-grade compliant

Industries Served

- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical production
- Cosmetics formulation
- Medical diagnostics
- Water treatment
- Confectionery and bakery

Product Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sodium Citrate

What is Sodium Citrate primarily used for in the food industry?

In foods, Sodium Citrate acts mainly as a buffering agent and emulsifier, stabilizing pH and maintaining texture in dairy products, beverages, and processed foods.

What typical dosage ranges are used for Sodium Citrate in beverages?

Typical usage levels for Sodium Citrate in beverages range between 0.1% and 0.3% by weight, adjusted based on desired acidity control and taste profile.

Is Sodium Citrate supplied by Zenco Systems Ltd suitable for pharmaceutical use?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Sodium Citrate that meets the purity and regulatory requirements suitable for pharmaceutical excipient applications.

How should Sodium Citrate be stored to maintain quality?

Store in sealed containers in a cool, dry place protected from moisture and direct sunlight, ideally between 15°C and 25°C, to prevent caking and degradation.

Do you supply Sodium Citrate outside Kenya?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd provides reliable supply of Sodium Citrate to Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and broader East Africa with tailored logistics support.

What packaging sizes are available for Sodium Citrate through Zenco Systems Ltd?

Standard packaging includes 25kg bags and 50kg drums, chosen based on customer volume needs and ease of handling across East African markets.

Is Sodium Citrate safe to handle without special protective equipment?

While generally safe, it is advisable to use gloves and dust masks when handling to avoid eye or respiratory irritation from dust.

What is the shelf life of Sodium Citrate under proper storage?

Under recommended storage conditions, Sodium Citrate typically retains quality for up to two years.

Can Sodium Citrate be used as an anticoagulant in medical applications?

Yes, due to its calcium ion chelation, Sodium Citrate is commonly used as an anticoagulant in blood collection and plasma preparation.