Ingredient

Retention

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add retention to canned fruits and vegetables to prevent them from becoming soft …

What it is

Retention is a trade name for a blend of calcium chloride and citric acid. It is used to help maintain the texture and firmness of canned fruits and vegetables. It is manufactured by adding citric acid to a calcium chloride solution.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add retention to canned fruits and vegetables to prevent them from becoming soft or mushy during processing and storage. It helps them retain their shape and firmness, providing a more appealing texture. It is commonly found in canned fruits like peaches and pears, and vegetables like beans and artichokes.

Health notes

Calcium chloride and citric acid are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as food ingredients. Both are common food additives with well-established safety profiles. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated these substances and established acceptable daily intakes. At typical consumption levels found in food, they are not associated with adverse health effects.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen. Calcium chloride and citric acid are not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. They do not contain gluten.

Products containing Retention

Compare products →
Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories
LA PREFERIDA La Preferida, Light Red Kidney Beans Canned & Bottled Beans 92kcal 6.2Protein 0.8Fat 16.1Carbs STONEMILL KITCHENS Pesto Artichoke Baked Brie With Sundried Tomato Cheese High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 318kcal 14.1Protein 20Fat 20Carbs SHURFINE Premium Blackeye Peas Canned & Bottled Beans 80kcal 4.8Protein 0Fat 15.2Carbs PARROT Coconut Water With Pulp Plant Based Water High in added sugars — 26% DV per serving 31kcal 0Protein 0Fat 7.2Carbs NOT A BRANDED ITEM Garbanzo Beans Chick Peas Canned & Bottled Beans 92kcal 4.6Protein 1.9Fat 13.8Carbs BIG WIN Tropical Sweetened Banana Chips, Almonds, Cashews, Dried Sweetened Mangos, Dried Sweetened Pineapple Trail Mix, Tropical Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 516kcal 6.5Protein 29.0Fat 54.8Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Food Club, Garbanzo Beans Canned & Bottled Beans 123kcal 4.6Protein 1.5Fat 20Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Whole White Potatoes Canned Vegetables 45kcal 0.7Protein 0Fat 9.0Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Low Sodium Garbanzo Beans Canned & Bottled Beans 96kcal 5.6Protein 1.6Fat 16.8Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Dark Red Kidney Beans Canned & Bottled Beans 88kcal 5.6Protein 0Fat 15.2Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Low Sodium Dark Red Kidney Beans Canned & Bottled Beans 88kcal 5.6Protein 0Fat 16Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Blackeye Peas Canned & Bottled Beans 80kcal 4.8Protein 0Fat 12Carbs
Water (167 products) Salt (162 products) Sugar (124 products) Calcium Chloride (71 products) Citric Acid (64 products) Natural Flavors (54 products) Sulfur Dioxide (54 products) Disodium EDTA (50 products) Sea Salt (43 products) Firming Agent (39 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.