Frequently Asked Questions

Citribel

Find answers to common questions about Citribel’s citric acid, citrate salts, mycelium-derived ingredients, production process, quality standards and bulk supply options.

Product specifications & applications

What products does Citribel manufacture?

Citribel manufactures citric acid, monosodium citrate, trisodium citrate and mycelium-derived ingredients in Belgium. Our product portfolio is available in different grades, particle sizes and formats, including solid and liquid solutions for industrial and formulation needs.

What is the difference between citric acid anhydrous and citric acid monohydrate?

Citric acid anhydrous contains no crystal water and offers a higher active acid content per kilogram. It is often preferred in dry or moisture-sensitive formulations.

Citric acid monohydrate contains one molecule of crystal water, which can influence solubility, handling and storage behaviour. The best choice depends on the application, processing conditions and formulation requirements.

Which particle sizes and grades are available?

Citribel offers citric acid and citrates in various particle size distributions, including granular, fine granular, extra-fine granular and powder forms. These options support different processing methods such as blending, dissolution, tableting and dosing.

What are the main application areas of citric acid?

Citric acid is a multifunctional organic acid used across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care and industrial applications. Its main functions include acidification, pH control, chelation of metal ions and flavour modulation.

How is citric acid used in food and beverage applications?

In food and beverage formulations, citric acid is commonly used as an acidulant, flavour enhancer, sequestering agent and synergist in antioxidant systems. Typical applications include soft drinks, juices, confectionery, dairy products, sauces and processed foods.

What role does citric acid play in pharmaceutical applications?

Citric acid is commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations as a pH-adjusting agent, as part of buffer systems and in effervescent tablets and powders where controlled acid-base reactions are required.

How is citric acid applied in cosmetics and personal care products?

In cosmetics and personal care formulations, citric acid is used to adjust and stabilise pH, support formulation stability and provide mild chelating functions. It is commonly used in skin care, hair care and rinse-off products.

Is citric acid used in industrial and technical applications?

Yes. Citric acid is used in cleaning and descaling formulations, detergents and selected industrial processes where controlled acidity and metal ion binding are required.

In which application areas are citrates typically used?

Citrates such as monosodium citrate and trisodium citrate are mainly used where buffering capacity, pH stabilisation and taste modulation are required. They are used in food and beverages, pharmaceutical formulations, personal care products, detergents and technical formulations.

When should I use citric acid versus a citrate salt?

The choice between citric acid and citrate salts depends mainly on the target pH and buffering requirements. Citric acid is used when a stronger acidifying effect is needed, while citrate salts are selected when buffering, pH stabilisation or a less acidic profile is required.

How do I select the right citric acid or citrate for my formulation?

Product selection depends on the required pH range, buffering capacity, hydration state, particle size, physical form, regulatory framework and processing conditions. Citribel’s technical and commercial teams can support customers in selecting the most suitable grade.

How does particle size impact formulation performance?

Particle size can influence dissolution rate, flowability, dust formation, dosing accuracy and mixing homogeneity. Selecting the right particle size can improve both processing efficiency and final product consistency.

Are citric acid and citrates suitable for challenging processing conditions?

Citric acid and citrate salts are stable under normal processing conditions. Formulation performance may be influenced by elevated temperatures, humidity, mechanical stress or interaction with other formulation components. Citribel can support customers during product evaluation and scale-up.

Production & processes

How is citric acid produced?

Citribel produces citric acid through a natural surface fermentation process using sugar beet molasses. During fermentation, Aspergillus niger mycelium converts sugar into citric acid. The citric acid solution is then purified, crystallised, dried, sieved and packaged.

What raw materials are used in Citribel’s production process?

Citribel uses sugar beet molasses as its main raw material. This by-product from the local sugar industry is transformed through fermentation into citric acid, citrates and mycelium-derived ingredients.

Does Citribel produce in Europe?

Yes. Citribel manufactures citric acid, citrates and mycelium-derived ingredients at its production site in Belgium, supplying customers in global B2B markets.

How does Citribel contribute to the circular economy?

Citribel uses sugar beet molasses as a raw material and valorises co-products from its production process. This circular approach allows multiple product streams to be recovered and used in food, feed, agricultural and industrial applications.

Supply, packaging & logistics

Where can I buy bulk citric acid?

You can buy bulk citric acid directly from Citribel. Our citric acid is manufactured in Belgium and available in both anhydrous and monohydrate forms for food, pharmaceutical, personal care and industrial applications.

How can I buy citric acid or citrates from Citribel?

You can contact Citribel’s sales team to request a quote, product sample or documentation. Our team will review your needs and advise on the most suitable product, grade and packaging format.

In which packaging formats are products available?

Products are available in bags, big bags and bulk formats, depending on the product and grade. Liquid solutions are supplied in appropriate liquid packaging formats. Packaging options can be discussed with the sales team.

Can I order products in bulk?

Yes. Citribel supplies both standard and bulk volumes, either directly or through selected distribution partners. Availability and logistics depend on the product type, destination and application.

Can I request a product sample?

Yes. Product samples can be requested through Citribel’s sample request form or by contacting the sales team. Please mention the product, intended application and relevant business details so the team can review your request.

Does Citribel work with distributors?

Yes. Citribel works with selected distributors around the world to support local availability, customer service and market access. For more information, contact Citribel’s sales team.

Quality, compliance, sustainability & circularity

What quality standards and certifications does Citribel have?

Citribel operates under strict quality and safety systems to support product consistency, safety and traceability. Certifications include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, FSSC 22000, GMP+, Kosher and Halal. Vegan and non-GMO declarations are available on request.

Are Citribel’s products pharmaceutical or food grade?

Yes. Citribel produces both excipient grade and food grade ingredients. Citric acid and citrates are manufactured in Belgium under certified quality and safety systems, supporting consistent quality and full traceability.

How does Citribel address sustainability and circularity?

Citribel focuses on efficient resource use, European manufacturing and circular production principles. By valorising side streams and optimising fermentation-based processes, Citribel contributes to more reliable and resource-conscious ingredient supply chains.

Service, support & innovation

How can I contact Citribel for sales or customer service?

You can contact Citribel through the contact form on the website or by email at sales@citribel.com. The sales and customer service teams can assist with product information, quotations, sample requests, documentation and other inquiries.

Can Citribel support formulation and product selection?

Yes. Citribel’s technical and commercial teams support formulators, R&D teams and procurement teams with product selection, buffering systems, particle size, physical form, delivery format and regulatory or quality requirements.

Can Citribel support product development or custom solutions?

Yes. Citribel can support customers in developing new formulations or customised solutions based on citric acid, citrates or mycelium-derived ingredients. The team works with customers to understand process needs and help optimise product performance and stability.

What is MycoFence®?

MycoFence® is a mycelium-derived ingredient developed by Citribel to support the natural resilience of shrimp and salmon under specific challenge conditions. It is produced through controlled fermentation and supports circular ingredient innovation.

What is the newest product developed by Citribel?

One of Citribel’s recent innovations is MycoFence®, a mycelium-derived ingredient designed for aquaculture and animal nutrition applications. It contains beta-glucans that can support natural defence mechanisms in fish and shrimp.