■ Glucono-δ-lactone is a slow‑acting acid that gradually converts into gluconic acid when dissolved in water.
■ Gluconic acid is abundantly found in honey, royal jelly, wine, and fermented vinegar.
■ It slowly lowers the pH of soy milk or cow’s milk, enabling uniform coagulation.
■ Similarly, as an acid component in baking powder, it reacts gradually with sodium bicarbonate to produce uniform bubbles.
■ Gluconates have been reported to promote the growth of bifidobacteria.