Ascorbic acid — pure vitamin C — is one of the most versatile ingredients in food and supplement manufacturing. It serves double duty as a nutrient for fortification and as a technical antioxidant that protects colour, flavour, and shelf life. This guide covers its two roles, typical applications, powder versus granule formats, and bulk sourcing in Canada.
What Is Ascorbic Acid?
Ascorbic acid (E300, CAS 50-81-7) is the pure form of vitamin C, supplied as a white crystalline powder with a purity of ≥99.0%. It is highly soluble in water and produced to pharmacopeia standards for food use. The same molecule serves both nutritional and technical functions, which is why it appears in so many different product categories.
Two Distinct Roles: Nutrient and Antioxidant
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Fortification (vitamin C): enriching beverages, supplements, and foods with vitamin C to support a nutrient content claim (subject to applicable labelling regulations).
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Antioxidant (E300): protecting products from oxidation — preserving the colour of processed fruits and vegetables, preventing rancidity in fats, and stabilizing flavours.
Typical Applications
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Beverages and juices: vitamin C fortification plus oxidation protection in a single ingredient.
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Supplements: tablets, drink powders, and gummies.
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Baking: flour treatment agent that strengthens dough.
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Meat processing and canning: colour and freshness stabilization.
Powder vs. Granule
Ascorbic acid is available as a fine powder and as granules. Fine powder dissolves faster and blends more uniformly in dry mixes, but is dustier to handle. Granular ascorbic acid flows better, compresses well for tabletting, and generates less dust in production. Choose the format based on your process: powder for beverages and blends, granules for direct-compression tablets.
Handling and Stability
Ascorbic acid is sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen. Store it in sealed containers away from light and humidity. In formulation, add it late in the process where possible to minimize thermal losses, and account for overage if a specific label claim must be met at end of shelf life.
Specifications at a Glance
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E number: E300
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CAS number: 50-81-7
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Purity: ≥99.0%
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Appearance: white to slightly yellowish crystalline powder
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Solubility: freely soluble in water
A full certificate of analysis (COA) is available on request for every lot.
Buying Bulk Ascorbic Acid in Canada
LiquidShop supplies food-grade ascorbic acid in bulk by the kilogram for Canadian food, beverage, and supplement manufacturers. Sourcing from a Canadian supplier means shorter lead times and simplified logistics. Certificates of analysis are available on request. Contact us to discuss your application and bulk pricing.
