To address this issue, Jones-Hamilton Co. (Waldbridge, Ohio) has introduced a new acidulant, pHase™. It is self-affirmed GRAS in the U.S. at levels that meet good manufacturing practices and is on the European Directive for miscellaneous additives, allowing for its general use in foods.
pHase is a dry granular acid that easily dissolves in water. Its generic name is sodium acid sulfate, and its chemical formula is NaHSO4. In a water solution, it readily dissociates into sodium ions, hydrogen ions and sulfate ions. The sodium ion contributes to flavor enhancement and bitter masking, the hydrogen ion lowers pH and the sulfate ion is an essential electrolyte required for good health.