Molecular structure
2-hydroxypropanoic acid
Cooking relevance
Lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid, PubChem CID 612) is a key organic acid produced during fermentation of dairy and vegetables. It contributes sharp, tangy flavor notes and acts as a natural preservative in fermented foods. In cooking, it lowers pH, enhances preservation, and develops characteristic sour taste profiles in cultured products.
- aroma
- tangy · sour · subtle fermented note
- culinary role
- fermentation byproduct; souring agent; preservation in cultured dairy and vegetables
- mass spectra
- 26 experimental spectra
Mass spectrum
A real measured fragmentation pattern · 1 of 26 experimental spectra
Sensory signature
How this molecule tastes and smells · gold is measured, dashed is a model estimate
Research associations
Literature-derived · peer-reviewed sources only · not medical advice
Foods containing this compound
Verified Data
Compound identity and culinary context are continuously cross-referenced across open scientific databases and maintained by Foodgeist's enrichment pipeline.
The Geist can be wrong. Some flavor, taste, and pairing values are model-predicted, not lab-measured.






















