Citric Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid that is commonly found in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. It plays a key role in the manufacturing of various products, making it a vital ingredient in industries like Food, Pharma, and Cleaning. Its versatility and affordability have made it a staple across these sectors. Understanding the pricing of citric acid, however, can be tricky, as it varies based on the grade used – whether it’s for food production, pharmaceutical formulations, or cleaning products.
In this blog, we will explore the price variations of Citric Acid in India in 2025. We'll provide insights into how the prices differ across the Food, Pharma, and Cleaning grades, helping businesses and consumers alike make informed decisions about their purchases.
Definition and Chemical Properties of Citric Acid:
Citric Acid (C₆H₈O₇) is a weak organic acid known for its tart taste. Chemically, it is classified as a tricarboxylic acid, which means it contains three carboxyl groups (-COOH). This gives Citric Acid its acidic properties and makes it an effective preservative, pH regulator, and flavor enhancer. It is also a key component of the Citric Acid Cycle, a fundamental metabolic pathway in all aerobic organisms.
Key Sources and Production Methods:
Citric acid is primarily derived from two sources: natural extraction from citrus fruits and synthetic production through fermentation. The natural method involves extracting citric acid from fruit juices, while the synthetic process typically uses fermentation of carbohydrates such as glucose, usually sourced from corn or sugar beets.
Understanding these applications is essential to grasp why citric acid prices vary based on the grade and usage, and why it is an essential component across different industries.
Description and Uses:
Food Grade Citric Acid is commonly used as a preservative, flavor enhancer, and pH regulator in the food industry. It is widely found in products like soft drinks, candy, canned foods, cheese, and fruit juices. It provides a sour taste, which is why it's popular in sour candies, beverages, and as a flavor enhancer in various food items.
Regulatory Standards and Quality Measures:
Food Grade Citric Acid must meet strict food safety regulations. It is tested to ensure that it is free from contaminants like heavy metals and harmful microorganisms. In India, Food Grade Citric Acid must comply with standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It must meet purity levels of 99.5% or higher to be suitable for food use.
Use in Pharmaceuticals and Medicine:
Pharma Grade Citric Acid is used in the production of effervescent tablets, vitamin C supplements, oral medications, and as an antioxidant. It is required to meet stringent purity levels and quality control standards to ensure that it is safe for medical consumption.
Purity and Quality Control:
Pharma Grade Citric Acid generally has a higher purity than Food Grade. It must pass rigorous testing to meet standards for pharmaceutical use, including compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Impurities are limited to a very low threshold to ensure that the citric acid does not interfere with the efficacy or safety of the pharmaceutical product.
Usage in Cleaning Products:
Cleaning Grade Citric Acid is mainly used in descaling agents, cleaning powders, and surface sanitizers. It effectively removes hard water stains, limescale deposits, and mineral buildups in household appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and kettles. It also serves as a natural disinfectant.
Chemical Properties Suited for Cleaning:
The acidic nature of Citric Acid allows it to break down calcium carbonate and other minerals that form scales and stains, making it highly effective in cleaning applications. Its non-toxic, biodegradable properties make it safer than many harsh chemicals typically used in cleaning products.
Current Market Trends and Price Per Kilogram:
As of 2025, the price of Food Grade Citric Acid in India is ₹95 to ₹120 per kilogram. Prices vary based on raw material availability, demand fluctuations, and the global supply chain. Importation costs also play a role, especially if supply from China, the primary exporter, faces disruptions.
Factors Influencing Cost:
Price Range in 2025:
Pharma Grade Citric Acid is priced ₹130 to ₹150 per kilogram in 2025, with slight variations depending on the level of purity required for pharmaceutical applications.
Comparison with Food Grade Prices:
Pharma Grade Citric Acid is generally 20-30% more expensive than Food Grade due to the higher purity standards and additional quality control measures required for medicinal use. The pharmaceutical industry demands a stricter quality assurance process, which influences the final price.
Cost Comparison with Other Grades:
Cleaning Grade Citric Acid is typically priced at ₹80 to ₹100 per kilogram in 2025, which is cheaper than both Food Grade and Pharma Grade.
Role and Pricing Dynamics in the Cleaning Industry:
The lower price is partly because of the lower purity requirements for cleaning purposes. Furthermore, the bulk demand for cleaning products in both household and industrial applications helps maintain lower prices.
Citric acid is derived from both citrus fruits and fermentation of sugars. Any change in the cost of raw materials, such as a poor citrus harvest or fluctuation in sugar prices, directly affects the cost of production, and thus, the price of citric acid.
India imports a significant amount of citric acid, mainly from China and Europe. Global trade policies, tariffs, and shipping delays can impact the price of imported citric acid, leading to price hikes.
Demand for citric acid in food production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and cleaning products can vary with seasonal cycles, global health trends, and changes in consumer behavior.
Increasing environmental regulations on chemical manufacturing processes may increase production costs. Similarly, tightening of quality standards can raise prices, especially for food and pharmaceutical-grade citric acid.
It is expected that Food Grade Citric Acid prices may increase by 5-10% in 2025 due to continued demand in the beverage and processed food industry. On the other hand, Pharma Grade Citric Acid may see a moderate price increase due to rising production costs and the growing demand for effervescent pharmaceuticals.
Global Market Trends like supply chain disruptions and the increasing cost of raw materials could drive prices up further, particularly for imported citric acid.
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Citric acid can be purchased through online platforms like Dial4trade or directly from Akash Acid and Chemicals. It's essential to negotiate for bulk purchase rates and consider logistics costs if importing.
When purchasing Citric Acid, ensure the product is certified by standards like FSSAI (for food-grade), GMP (for pharma-grade), and ISO certifications to guarantee quality. Always request product samples and specifications sheets before committing to a bulk purchase.
In conclusion, Citric Acid prices in India for 2025 show clear variation depending on the grade used. Food Grade Citric Acid remains the most expensive, followed by Pharma Grade, and finally Cleaning Grade. With raw material fluctuations, demand, and global supply chain issues likely to impact pricing, it is important for consumers and businesses to stay informed.
Q1: What is the difference between Food, Pharma, and Cleaning Grade Citric Acid?
Food-grade citric acid is used in food processing, pharma-grade is used in medicinal products, and cleaning-grade is used for cleaning and descaling.
Q2: How do I identify a high-quality Citric Acid?
Look for certifications like FSSAI for food, GMP for pharma, and ISO for general quality. Always ask for product specifications.
Q3: Can I buy Citric Acid in bulk?
Yes, citric acid is commonly available in bulk for industrial use. Purchasing from platforms like Dial4trade or directly from Akash Acid and Chemicals is recommended for bulk buyers.
Q4: How does Citric Acid benefit the cleaning industry?
It’s used as a decaling agent and disinfectant. Its ability to dissolve minerals makes it ideal for removing hard water stains and limescale.
