Buffered vinegar, known as modified vinegar in Canada, is an effective option for controlling microbial growth in meat and bakery applications, and is one of the preservatives to consider depending on the desired shelf life, type of food or beverage, processing and storage conditions, and labeling requirements.
It is just one of several preservatives offered in our lineup - let the experts at Blendtek help you select the best solution for your project.
Buffered vinegar, known as modified vinegar in Canada, is a liquid or spray-dried mixture manufactured by adding a base to vinegar that typically has a high acetic acid content. The base reacts with the acetic acid in the vinegar, raising the pH and forming acetate or diacetate. Unlike vinegar, which is acidic, modified vinegar has a more neutral pH which allows it to be used in meat and poultry applications without affecting taste characteristics or denaturing of proteins that can negatively impact texture, colour and water holding capacity.
In 2021, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reminded the food industry that the use of food additives in ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products must be clearly labeled, and also added modified vinegar to the list of approved preservatives for meat and poultry products. Industry was given until the end of 2023 to ensure full compliance, which has prompted some food manufacturers to look for alternatives such as natural preservatives.
The primary consideration for buffered vinegar, also known as modified vinegar, is whether you require a liquid or powdered form. Liquid is easily dispersed but may not be appropriate for example in a dry spice blend. The other important selection criteria is how it is labeled, as regulations vary between Canada, US, Europe and beyond.
Modified vinegar is an effective option for controlling microbial growth in meat and bakery applications, and is one of the preservatives to consider depending on the desired shelf life, type of food or beverage, processing and storage conditions, and labeling requirements. Conventional ingredients such as lactic acid, lactates, acetates and diacetates or natural options such as vinegar, cultured sugar, natural basil flavour, cultured rice and wheat flour - let the experts at Blendtek help you select the best solution for your project.
