Sour Candies: Organic Acids & Their Influence

The love for candies is something we all are dragged towards. With a vast variety of sweet as well as sour mouth-puckering options, be it kids or adults candies are tagged as ‘favorite’ being a taste changer! However, the inclusion of organic acids is something we aren’t actually aware about.

With the growing demand for sour candies, the sour sugar market is on a roll. This trend has also motivated the need for different acids that are part of sour candies. Presently, the primary acid variants used comprise of citric, tartaric, malic and fumaric acids. It should be noted that, each acid holds a different sourness level, together with other flavor nuances of astringency and bitterness. 

Organic Acids in Candies

Let us try to learn about these acids in-depth and see how their combinations lead to the creation of popular confectioner items.

Citric Acid

The presence of citric acid creates a sense of tartness. It is available in grapefruit, lemons and other citrus fruits, making it simpler to imagine the tang it offers. Food-grade citric acid is produced commercially by fermenting sugar using microorganisms.

Malic Acid

With malic acid, the candies are blessed with smoothness as well as mellow tartness. Cherries, tomatoes and apricots also comprise of malic acid. Talking about candies, this acid boosts the concentration of sour flavors with enhancement in fruit flavors.

Fumaric and Tartaric Acids

You can call it the strongest or sour-tasting acid available among all organic acids. A long-lasting sour flavor is acquired with the addition of tartaric acid since it doesn’t dissolve easily like other acids.

Tartaric acid is known to be moderately sour and acts more astringent as compared to citric or malic acids. This organic acid is linked to grapes, tamarinds and banana.

Side Effects of Organic Acids in Candies

Although, the amount of acid you consume occasionally while enjoying sour candy isn’t that effective in causing problems. However, organic acids can momentarily irritate your mouth and tongue, especially when you consume multiple pieces in a shorter duration.

Considering the pH scale, sour candies tend to acquire a pH between 2 and 3. With such acidity, they are capable of eroding tooth enamel, as per active dental reports.