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FUSO distinguishes certain organic acids—such as malic acid, citric acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, and succinic acid—that are officially recognized as food additives. We refer to these as Fruit Acids to highlight their close association with fruit-based products. We handle a wide variety of these Fruit Acids, which contain salts and offer subtle differences in tartness, enabling us to recommend the ideal product for each application.
Beyond simply adding a refreshing acidity to foods, these acids are widely used to adjust pH levels, helping to extend shelf life and maintain or enhance quality. By leveraging our advanced technology to develop specialized formulations, FUSO is dedicated to ensuring food safety while also contributing to reducing food waste.
As its name suggests, malic acid was first discovered in apples. Known for its crisp, refreshing sourness, it is widely used as a food additive across numerous products. Beyond its applications in food, malic acid’s functional properties are harnessed in a variety of fields,including medical, industrial, and agricultural sectors.
FUSO, a pioneer in the development of malic acid and currently the only domestic manufacturer, is committed to ensuring a stable supply of high-quality products and continuously innovating with new formulations. We remain dedicated to advancing this vital organic acid to meet diverse industry needs.
Organic acids are found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and mandarins, as well as in pickled plums. The sour taste we enjoy comes from citric acid.
This refreshing acidity is widely used in drinks and foods, adding flavor and helping to keep fruits and vegetables fresh by preventing discoloration and aiding mineral absorption. It alsohelps to improve shelf life by balancing pH levels.
Beyond food, citric acid has many industrial uses, including soil conditioning, cleaning alkaline stains, and as an ingredient in household detergents. It’s a versatile natural compound that supports both our daily life and industry.
Gluconic acid is a natural organic acid found in foods like honey and royal jelly. If citric acid’s sharpness is rated at 100, gluconic acid offers a mild, smooth acidity around 30, providing a gentle flavor. It is widely used as a safe, natural food additive—acting as a coagulant in tofu and cheese, a leavening agent in baking, and more. Additionally, it supports gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria.
In industrial applications, its mild acidity makes it useful for metal surface treatment and as a concrete setting retarder.
FUSO produces gluconic acid by fermenting corn-derived sugar solutions at PMP Fermentation Products, Inc. in Illinois, USA, ensuring a reliable supply of this versatile ingredient.
Lactic acid is an organic acid produced naturally through fermentation by lactic acid bacteria.
It has a fresh, mild tartness, making it popular as a flavor enhancer in beverages and foods. Its gentle acidity helps improve shelf life without compromising taste.
Inside the human body, lactic acid is generated when the body breaks down sugars to produce energy. It tends to accumulate during short, intense activities like sprinting. While it was once thought to cause fatigue, recent research shows that lactic acid can actually be reused as an energy source within muscles, supporting recovery and performance.
Tartaric acid is an organic acid predominantly found in grapes. Similar to the slightly astringent taste of wine sediment (tartrate crystals formed by the combination of tartaric acid and minerals), tartaric acid also has a somewhat tannic, bitter note, making it slightly more acidic than citric acid.
Beyond enhancing the flavor and extending the shelf life of beverages, tartaric acid is used in a variety of applications. It plays a role in baking powders, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even industrial processes, demonstrating its versatility across many fields.
Fumaric acid is known for its sharp, intense sourness—about 1.5 to 1.8 times stronger than citric acid. When combined with baking soda, it produces carbon dioxide gas, a reaction commonly used in everyday products like bath salts and baking powders.
In addition, fumaric acid is used to improve water resistance in paper treatments and as a feed additive for livestock, helping to enhance nutrient absorption.
At Kashima Plant, fumaric acid and malic acid are among our flagship products, and we proudly lead Japan in their production volumes, ensuring high-quality supply for various industrial and agricultural applications.
Succicic acid, especially abundant in shellfish like clams and freshwater clams, contributes to the savory umami flavor. This organic acid is commonly used as a seasoning ingredient and flavor enhancer in foods and beverages.
Beyond culinary uses, it is also found in health products such as supplements and cosmetics, as well as in industrial applications like plating solutions, demonstrating its versatility across both food and industry.