A key characteristic of cranberry juice is the low pH of 2.5 (Hong and Wrolstad, 1986) as well as the unique blend of the organic acids, quinic, malic, shikimic, and citric acid (Jensen et al., 2002), with quinic acid being the most preponderant of the four.

Citric fruits like lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit have the highest concentration of citric acid, giving juices made from these fruits their tart, tangy flavor. Citric acid added to commercially prepared juice drinks increases the tangy flavor and preserves the color of the juice.

Other than water, there are only a few beverage options that don’t have citric acid, including some root beers, green tea, and milk and milk alternatives.

Lemon juice and lime juice are rich sources of citric acid, containing 1.44 and 1.38 g/oz, respectively. Lemon and lime juice concentrates contain 1.10 and 1.06 g/oz, respectively. The citric acid content of commercially available lemonade and other juice products varies widely, ranging from 0.03 to 0.22 g/oz.

Both sodas contain sodium, sugar, carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, phosphoric acid, caffeine and natural flavors. In fact, a 12 ounce can of Pepsi contains one thing Coke does not—citric acid.

Citric Acid: One of the most readily found acid in coffee is Citric Acid. As the name suggests, Citric Acid produces the light, fruity flavors in many of today’s leading single-origin blends and roasted beans. Citric acid is often found in Arabica beans or beans grown at higher altitudes.

Serious side effects of citric acid, potassium citrate, and sodium citrate include numbness or tingly feeling, swelling or rapid weight gain, muscle twitching or cramps, fast or slow heart rate, confusion, or mood changes, bloody or tarry stools, severe stomach pain, ongoing diarrhea, or seizure (convulsions).

Some fruits, such as peaches and fresh tomatoes, contain lower levels of citric acid; bananas, coconuts, mangoes and avocados are a few that contain none at all. To maintain a diet low in citric acid, avoid all citrus fruits — lemons,oranges and limes, for example — as well as most berries, canned tomatoes and wine.

Citric acid is most prevalent in citrus fruits and juices. Of these fruits, lemons and limes have the most citric acid. While oranges, grapefruits, and berries also contain appreciable amounts, lemons and limes will most significantly contribute to the citric acid content of your urine.

However, with careful attention to ingredients and a willingness to pitch in to cooking for yourself, it is possible to completely avoid citric acid. Making your own desserts and sauces is a great way to avoid it, because it’s most common as a preservative in sweet foods and those containing fruit or tomatoes.

It is colorless and is derived by fermentation of carbohydrates. Citric acid can be found in beans, broccoli, carrots, potatoes, rhubarb and tomatoes. The acidity in foods can be measured in “pH” levels. The lower the pH level, the more acid is in the food.

One tablespoon of bottled lemon juice is equal to 1/4 teaspoon citric acid. This means that if a recipe instructs you to add 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice to each quart jar before canning, you can easily swap in 1/2 teaspoon of citric acid.

Apple cider vinegar is fermented juice from crushed apples. Like apple juice, apple cider vinegar may contain various vitamins and minerals, as well as dietary fiber. Apple cider vinegar may also contain acetic acid and citric acid.

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