Food Applications

Here's a comprehensive overview of how lime is used in various food applications:

1. Additives:
   Through various chemical reactions, lime gives rise to a diverse range of calcium salts like lactate, citrate, casionate, propionate, and many others. These compounds not only fortify food products with essential calcium but also serve as crucial preservatives, stabilizers, and nutritional supplements. As the food industry continues to evolve, the importance of lime in enhancing both the nutritional value and shelf life of food products remains paramount.
    
2. Chips:
   Lime in the production of corn chips shows its multiple benefits. From improving texture and flavor to enriching essential calcium and aiding preservation, lime plays a key role in enhancing the quality and nutritional value of this popular snack.
    
3. pH Adjustment and Neutralization:
   Lime is used to adjust the pH level of food products. It acts as a stabilizing agent, helping to maintain the desired acidity or alkalinity in items oils, gelatins, jams, jellies, sauces and pickled products.
    
4. Baking and Dough Conditioning: 
   In baking, lime is employed to improve the texture and stability of the dough. It helps control the acidity and acts as a leavening agent, contributing to the rise of baked goods like bread, cakes, and cookies.
    
5. Desiccant and Anti-Caking Agent: 
   Lime is used to prevent the clumping or caking of powdered or granulated foods. It absorbs excess moisture, ensuring products like powdered spices, baking mixes, and dry beverage mixes remain free-flowing. 
    
6. Clarification of Juices:
   In fruit processing, lime is used for the clarification of fruit juices, particularly citrus juices like orange and lemon. It helps to settle impurities, making the juice clearer and more visually appealing. 
    
7. Dairy Processing: 
   In dairy processing, lime is employed for various purposes, including as a coagulant in cheese production and for pH adjustment in yogurt and other dairy products.
    
8. Dairy Alternatives:
   Plant-based milk alternatives, like almond milk, soy milk, and others, may be fortified with lime to mimic the calcium content found in traditional dairy milk.
    
9. Infant Formulas and Baby Foods:
   Calcium-fortified infant formulas and baby foods are designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants and young children, supporting their growth and development. 
    
10. Fortification - Nutritional supplements:
    Calcium supplements in various forms, including tablets, powders, and capsules, need calcium.  This is especially important in products like dairy alternatives (e.g., plant-based milks) and cereal-based foods to enhance their nutritional value. Other processed food items, such as snack bars, meal replacement products, and energy drinks, may be fortified with lime to enhance their nutritional content. 
     
11. Bakery Products:
    Breads, cakes, and other baked goods can be fortified with lime to increase their calcium content, contributing to the overall nutritional value of these products. 
     
12. Cereals and Breakfast Foods:
    Breakfast cereals, granola bars, and other breakfast items can be fortified with calcium carbonate to provide consumers with an extra source of this essential mineral.