What is Tannic Acid?

Tannic acid is a naturally derived, plant-based polyphenol widely used in food and beverage manufacturing for its multifunctional properties, which include:

• Antioxidant & Preservation: Inhibits oxidative degradation in beverages, fats, and other food products to help retain flavor, color, and shelf stability during storage and distribution. Its polyphenolic structure allows it to scavenge free radicals and chelate pro-oxidant metal ions.
• Protein Binding & Clarification: Binds and precipitates proteins, making tannic acid an effective clarifying and fining agent in beer, wine, and spirits processing. It helps remove haze-forming proteins and stabilize finished products.
• Astringency & Mouthfeel Modulation: Contributes characteristic astringency and mouthfeel complexity in baked goods, teas, wines, and other beverages. Small amounts can enhance perceived body and texture.
• Flavoring Agent & pH Adjuvant: Authorized as a flavoring agent and adjuvant under 21 CFR 184.1097, contributing to flavor balance in food systems such as condiments, relishes, gravies, and sauces.
• Meat & Fat Processing: Used in meat products and rendered animal fat to support oxidative stability and product quality during processing and storage.

Citric Acid Technical & Product Specifications

Regulatory & Handling Considerations

• Food Regulatory Approvals (U.S.): Tannic acid is affirmed as GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1097 as a direct human food ingredient. Permitted uses include baked goods, cheeses, chewing gum, condiments and relishes, fats and oils, gravies and sauces, meat products, and other food categories at levels consistent with current good manufacturing practice (GMP). Maximum levels vary by application category as specified in the regulation.
• Food Regulatory Approvals (International): Recognized as a food-grade ingredient under the FAO/WHO JECFA monograph for tannic acid and the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC). Accepted for use in food applications in many international markets; users should verify applicable local regulations.
• Stability: Tannic acid gradually darkens upon exposure to air and sunlight and is easily oxidized, particularly in alkaline solutions. Store in sealed containers in a cool, dry, low-light environment. Formulation adjustments may be needed for applications involving prolonged heat or high pH.
• Ingredient Interactions: Reacts with trivalent iron ions to form blue-black complexes and can precipitate proteins, alkaloids, and certain metal ions. When used alongside sodium benzoate or other ingredients sensitive to polyphenol binding, careful formulation review is recommended.
• Usage Levels: Employed at low concentrations in most food applications. Per 21 CFR 184.1097, maximum as-served levels include up to 9.0% in condiments and relishes, 3.0% in gravies and sauces, 0.8% in cheeses and dairy analogs, 0.6% in meat products, 0.25% in baked goods, and 0.15% or less in all other food categories.

About American International Foods, Inc. (AIFI) - An Tannic Acid Supplier & Distributor

American International Foods, Inc. is a leading tannic acid supplier with an additional full-service portfolio of over 2500 food and beverage ingredients. We offer one of the most extensive lines of acids distributed to manufacturers and processors in the food, beverage, pet food, health and nutrition sectors. With a strategic nationwide warehouse network and our reliable just-in-time deliveries, we can supply your business with high quality acids at competitive prices.