Modernist Pantry Sodium Citrate Powder — 400g (14oz) for Smooth Cheese Sauces & Spherification, Non‑GMO OU Kosher

Pure Sodium Citrate from Modernist Pantry is a food‑grade powder used to buffer acidity, stabilize and emulsify cheeses, and enable reliable spherification and modernist cooking techniques.

Modernist Pantry Pure Sodium Citrate is a versatile culinary ingredient for professional chefs and home cooks exploring modernist recipes. This 400 g (14 oz) container supplies a finely crystalline, fast‑dissolving sodium salt of citric acid that tones down acidity, helps melted cheese stay smooth, and allows acidic liquids to be manipulated for techniques like reverse spherification. The product is Non‑GMO, gluten‑free, vegan, and carries Orthodox Union (OU) Kosher certification, making it suitable for a range of dietary needs.

How does sodium citrate improve cheese sauces and mac & cheese?

Sodium citrate acts as an emulsifier and pH buffer, keeping melted cheese homogeneous instead of breaking into oily clumps. It changes the cheese proteins’ behavior so water and fat remain integrated, producing a glossy, pourable sauce with consistent texture.

• Prevents oil separation for smooth, velvety sauces
• Allows lower-fat cheeses to melt more uniformly
• Works quickly—dissolves and acts almost instantly
• Ideal ratios: typically 1–3% sodium citrate by weight of liquid for cheese sauces

Why use sodium citrate for spherification and acidic liquids?

Spherification depends on controlling the liquid’s pH so it interacts predictably with gelling baths. Sodium citrate reduces acidity without drastically altering flavor, enabling stable spheres from strongly acidic bases like citrus or vinegar.

• Buffers pH to a range suitable for reverse spherification
• Preserves bright flavors while improving gel formation
• Dissolves completely for even, repeatable results
• Compatible with a variety of hydrocolloids used in modernist techniques

How should I measure and use this sodium citrate in recipes?

Measure by weight for best consistency—use a scale and dissolve thoroughly in warm liquid. Start with small test batches to dial in the exact amount for your ingredients and desired texture.

• Use grams for precision; common starter ratios: 1–3% by liquid weight
• Heat liquid gently to help dissolve the powder fully
• Adjust up or down depending on cheese type or acidity level
• Store in a cool, dry place and reseal after opening

Is this product safe and suitable for dietary restrictions?

Modernist Pantry Pure Sodium Citrate is formulated for food use and meets certification and labeling standards. It’s free from gluten, made from non‑GMO sources, vegan, and certified OU Kosher, which supports broad dietary compliance.

• 100% food‑grade quality—avoid industrial grades not intended for consumption
• Non‑GMO and gluten‑free for sensitive diets
• OU Kosher certification for Kosher observance
• Vegan‑friendly, with no animal‑derived ingredients

Who is this for? Modernist Pantry Pure Sodium Citrate is aimed at home cooks wanting restaurant‑quality cheese sauces, bartenders and chefs crafting spherified cocktails and garnishes, and food experimenters exploring modernist cuisine. It’s also useful for culinary schools, catering professionals, and anyone needing a reliable emulsifier and pH buffer that meets strict dietary certifications. If you cook with acidic ingredients, make creamy cheese sauces, or practice molecular gastronomy, this 400 g pack gives enough material to test, refine, and execute consistent, professional results.

Ingredients

100% food grade sodium tricitrate