Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid and has the same usage and technical properties of citric acid.

Citric acid is the oldest and most common food grade acid.  It is used as a flavoring agent to give an immediate acid tart.  It is also used in products to adjust the pH and used in such products as cold beverage mixes for its high solubility and quick dissolution rate. Citric acid is used in fruit and vegetable dips and sprays as a synergist with antioxidants to inhibit browning.