- acids as food additives serve a dual purpose
- acidulants
- preservatives
- phosphoric acid is used in cola soft drinks to reduce the pH.
- acetic acid is used to provide tartness in mayonnaise and salad dressing.
- similar functions are served by organic acids
- straight-chain carboxylic acids, propionic and sorbic acid, are used for their antimicrobial properties.
- propionic acid is mainly used for its antifungal properties.