What is the effect of adding citric acid in confections?

Adding citric acid to confections primarily serves to decrease sweetness. Citric acid has a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of sugar, providing a more complex taste profile. This acidity can enhance the overall flavor experience, making confections less cloying and more enjoyable to eat.

Additionally, while citric acid can impact other aspects of confectionery, such as texture and shelf life, its most significant role is flavor adjustment. For instance, while it could potentially help firm up certain confections due to its ability to interact with proteins, that is not its primary function. Similarly, while it contributes to shelf life by lowering pH and creating an environment less conducive to microbial growth, that effect is secondary to its primary role of flavor modification. Thus, the use of citric acid is primarily about balancing and enhancing taste, particularly to reduce an overpowering sweetness.