When a formulation has a sodium target, count the sodium supplied by trisodium citrate as well as sodium chloride. The calculation requires the exact salt form and cannot be inferred from an ingredient’s buffering function.
Use the correct formula
The Jungbunzlauer trisodium citrate dihydrate information, Chemical Data gives C6H5O7Na3·2H2O and molecular weight 294.1. Using rounded sodium atomic mass 22.99, the theoretical sodium fraction is (3 × 22.99) / 294.1 ≈ 0.2345. This describes the pure dihydrate formula, not a guaranteed lot analysis.
Anhydrous trisodium citrate has a different formula mass and therefore a different sodium fraction per purchased kilogram. Monosodium citrate is a different salt again. Confirm the offered identity before applying a spreadsheet factor; a shared “sodium citrate” label is not sufficient.
| Hypothetical input | Calculated result |
|---|---|
| Dihydrate addition: 2.0 g/kg finished product | 2.0 × 0.2345 = 0.469 g sodium/kg |
| Same contribution per 100 g product | Approximately 46.9 mg sodium |
| Other sodium-bearing ingredients | Calculate separately and add on the same basis |
Do not confuse a formulation estimate with a label decision
The worked example assumes pure dihydrate and unchanged finished-product mass. Yield loss, water evaporation, other salts and the actual ingredient composition can alter the final concentration. If a supplier reports sodium directly, establish its basis and compare it with the theoretical check rather than replacing one number silently.
Use the complete formula and the destination market’s applicable labelling requirements for the finished food. A qualified regulatory review or product analysis may be needed. For purchasing, request the specific citrate form and composition evidence so the formulation team can maintain one controlled sodium ledger rather than several inconsistent ingredient spreadsheets.
Related decisions
- Sodium citrate in processed cheese: distinguish pH adjustment from emulsion stability
- A clear sodium citrate solution can still be coloured: specify both observations
Review Sodium Citrate product identity and purchasing requirements. For the decision above, send ENVO your application, acceptance criteria, quantity and destination. Confirm the offered grade and available documents before ordering.
Technical references support the stated material or test method. Confirm the offered grade and current acceptance criteria for your application. Quality and document guidance
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