Modernist

Sodium Citrate

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Sodium citrate is a versatile salt that acts as a buffering agent, emulsifier, and flavoring in the culinary world. It’s commonly used to make smooth, creamy cheese sauces without the need for heavy cream or roux. Perfect for modernist home cooks looking to experiment with silky cheese dips and sauces.

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Good on:
  • Rice/Grains/Pasta,
  • Dairy
Key Ingredients
Full List

Sodium Citrate

Serving size:

1/2 tsp

Calories:

10

Total Fat:

0g

Saturated Fat:

0g

Trans Fat:

0g

Cholesterol:

0mg

Sodium:

1mg

Total Carbohydrate:

0g

Dietary Fiber:

0g

Total Sugars:

0g

Protein:

10

Gluten-Free, Salt-Free, Kosher, Sugar-Free, Vegan, Cholesterol-Free, Fat-Free

Meet Sodium Citrate: your secret weapon for velvety cheese sauces. Transform any cheese into a silky wonder for your next mac and cheese masterpiece.

Pro Tip

Simply dissolve the Sodium Citrate a bit into your liquid before adding cheese to reduce any grainy textures.

Try It On

What is Sodium Citrate?


Meet sodium citrate—your new best friend in the kitchen. This powerhouse ingredient, affectionately known as "sour salt," is a sodium salt derived from citric acid. It brings a mild saltiness with just a whisper of tang, making it a secret weapon for balancing flavors and creating silky-smooth textures. If you've ever marveled at a perfectly creamy cheese sauce or wondered how club soda gets that crisp bite, sodium citrate was likely behind the magic.


How to Use Sodium Citrate Like a Pro


Say Goodbye to Clumpy Cheese Sauces


Ever had your cheese sauce separate into a sad, grainy mess? Sodium citrate fixes that. By stabilizing pH levels, it ensures your cheese melts into a dreamily smooth, creamy consistency—whether you're whipping up fondue, queso, or next-level mac and cheese.


The Emulsifier You Didn’t Know You Needed


Sodium citrate doesn't just play well with cheese—it’s a rockstar emulsifier. It helps liquids and fats blend seamlessly, creating stable, velvety textures in dairy-based recipes. Plus, that subtle tartness? It adds just the right amount of balance to bold, salty flavors.


Smashing Salmon Miso Mac and Cheese


Want to see sodium citrate flex its culinary muscles? Try our Smashing Salmon Miso Mac and Cheese recipe. This dish fuses smoky, savory salmon with rich miso and ultra-creamy cheese—all held together with the emulsifying superpowers of sodium citrate. Watch the recipe video and prepare to have your mind (and taste buds) blown.


Sodium Citrate in Beverages


The Science Behind Club Soda


That crisp, refreshing fizz in your favorite club soda? Sodium citrate plays a key role. It balances acidity, enhances flavor, and dissolves effortlessly—making it a must-have for crafting perfectly balanced cocktails and sodas. Whether you're mixing up a classic highball or an inventive new concoction, this ingredient ensures your drinks hit just the right notes.