Lactic acid is vital to your food production operation. Balancing the pH in packaged food products helps to extend the shelf-life of many food items. Furthermore, it also makes food safer by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.

However, in an ever more health-conscious world, food additives have become problematic in recent years. The term is often associated with chemicals that are indeed harmful to the human body. Of course, as mentioned above, the opposite is true with lactic acid.

So, to counteract this negative perception, you must market the positive benefits of lactic acid. The additive must do more for you and your retailers than improve just your bottom lines. Lactic acid needs to be a selling point to consumers in every product that contains it.

A great place to start is by focusing on the probiotic and antioxidant qualities found in foods that contain lactic acid.

Probiotic Properties

Lactic acid is probiotic, meaning it's the primary food source for a probiotic bacteria named lactobacillus.

Lactobacillus is a well-known contributor to the human microbiome. It may help promote the absorption of vitamins and minerals while strengthening your immune system.

Additionally, the bacteria has also been shown to improve overall gut health. Therefore, lactobacillus may be beneficial in combating a host of gastrointestinal issues.

Antioxidant Properties

Antioxidants neutralize free-radical molecules within the body. These molecules are created as a byproduct of the consumption of oxygen and environmental irritants through both the lungs and the digestive tract. Free radicals are linked to a variety of health problems from diabetes to various cancers.

Most antioxidants are chemical molecules that act upon the free radicals. Think of vitamin A and Lycopene. However, some antioxidants are in fact microorganisms that also absorb the free radicals.

Lactobacillus is a well-known scavenger of free radicals, though the exact method through which it accomplishes this is complicated biochemistry.  But, at moderate levels, the evidence shows that the bacteria respond positively to oxidative stress that's related to aging and disease.

Points of Parity (at least)

Across the spectrum of food products, manufacturers and advertisers have been pointing out that their product is both antioxidant and probiotic for a while now. The two terms are industry buzzwords.

Because lactic acid is a vital ingredient in your product, you should be pointing out its antioxidant and probiotic qualities as well, if for no other reason than to create points of parity with the makers of similar products. 

For more information, contact a local lactic acid supplier.