Citric acid salts are compounds formed when citric acid reacts with a base, resulting in the neutralization of the acid. These salts often include sodium, potassium, or calcium ions and are commonly used in food and beverage industries as preservatives, flavor enhancers, or acidity regulators. In addition to their culinary uses, citric acid salts have applications in cleaning products and pharmaceuticals. They help to stabilize formulations and improve the effectiveness of certain ingredients. Overall, these salts play a versatile role in various industries due to their beneficial properties.