Sodium Citrate
Fit Lane Sodium Citrate is a versatile food ingredient commonly used in cheese sauces, queso, macaroni and cheese, and other recipes where a smooth, stable texture is important.
It is especially useful in cheese-based recipes because it helps emulsify fat and liquid, creating a creamy sauce that is less likely to separate or become greasy.
What can you use sodium citrate for?
Sodium citrate works well in:
Why use sodium citrate in cheese sauce?
Cheese can separate when it is heated, leaving a greasy or grainy texture.
Sodium citrate helps the cheese and liquid stay mixed together, which can create a smoother, more stable sauce.
That is why it is popular for queso, mac and cheese, and other melted-cheese recipes.
How do you use sodium citrate?
A common method is to dissolve the sodium citrate in the liquid portion of the recipe before adding the cheese.
Once dissolved, gradually add the cheese while heating and stirring until the sauce becomes smooth.
The exact amount depends on the type of cheese, the amount of liquid, and the texture you want, so it is best to follow a recipe written for sodium citrate.
Does sodium citrate change the flavor?
Sodium citrate has a mild salty and slightly tart taste.
When used in the proper amount, it usually blends into the recipe and is used mainly for its functional effect rather than for flavor.
Is sodium citrate the same as citric acid?
No.
Citric acid is an acidulant used to add tartness and lower pH. Sodium citrate is a salt of citric acid and has different properties.
They are not interchangeable in most recipes.
Can sodium citrate be used for queso?
Yes. Queso is one of the most common culinary uses for sodium citrate.
It helps melted cheese stay creamy and smooth instead of becoming oily or stringy.
Can I use it for mac and cheese?
Yes. Sodium citrate can help create a smooth cheese sauce for macaroni and cheese without relying entirely on flour or starch-based thickeners.
Is sodium citrate only for cheese?
No. While cheese sauces are one of its best-known uses, sodium citrate can also be used in other food applications where emulsification or acidity adjustment is needed.
How should sodium citrate be stored?
Keep the package tightly sealed and store it in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
Resealing the bag after each use helps prevent clumping and keeps the powder easy to measure.
Product Details
Product: Sodium Citrate
Form: Powder
Common Uses: Cheese sauce, queso, mac and cheese, dips, emulsification, and molecular gastronomy
Function: Helps stabilize emulsions and adjust acidity
Storage: Keep tightly sealed in a cool, dry place
