What are fruit salts and how do they work?

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

Invented in the mid-19th century by James Crossley Eno, fruit salts are effervescent compounds originally marketed as a cure-all remedy and now used primarily as antacids. A fruit salt is a simple combination of organic acids and bases that react in water to relieve the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn.

Quick Summary

This article provides a comprehensive overview of fruit salts, explaining their effervescent properties, primary ingredients, and function as a rapid-acting antacid for stomach discomfort. It also covers common varieties, proper usage, potential side effects, and compares them with traditional antacids.

Key Points

Effervescent Antacid: Fruit salts are effervescent powders containing sodium bicarbonate and organic acids that act as rapid antacids for indigestion and heartburn.
Fast-Acting Relief: When dissolved in water, the ingredients create carbon dioxide gas, which helps neutralize stomach acid and relieve bloating within seconds.
High Sodium Content: Due to their sodium bicarbonate base, fruit salts are high in sodium and should be used with caution by individuals with high blood pressure, kidney problems, or those on a sodium-restricted diet.
Common Side Effects: Potential side effects from excessive use include belching, gas, and abdominal distension.
Not for Long-Term Use: Fruit salts are intended for occasional use. Persistent indigestion symptoms may signal a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.
Homemade Alternatives: For a lower-sodium option, a simple mixture of baking soda and water can also neutralize stomach acid, while herbal teas like ginger or peppermint can soothe discomfort.
Check for Interactions: Fruit salts can interfere with certain medications, so it's advisable to separate doses from other medicines by a few hours.

Understanding the Composition of Fruit Salts

Fruit salts are essentially effervescent powders designed to neutralize excess stomach acid and alleviate digestive discomfort, such as indigestion, heartburn, and bloating. The effervescence, or fizzing, is the key to their rapid action. When the powder is dissolved in water, a chemical reaction occurs between its acidic and basic components, releasing carbon dioxide gas.

The primary ingredients in most commercially available fruit salts include sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, and sometimes tartaric acid.

Sodium Bicarbonate: Commonly known as baking soda, this is the alkaline component that acts as the antacid. It neutralizes the hydrochloric acid in the stomach, raising the stomach's pH level to reduce acidity.
Citric Acid and Tartaric Acid: These are the organic acid components, typically derived from fruits. When combined with the sodium bicarbonate in water, they trigger the effervescent reaction that produces carbon dioxide. This process is what gives the drink its characteristic fizz.
Flavoring and Sweeteners: To make the remedy more palatable, most products include flavorings like lemon, orange, or mint, along with sweeteners like saccharin sodium.

How Fruit Salts Deliver Fast-Acting Relief

The quick-acting nature of fruit salts is directly related to their unique effervescent formula. Here's a breakdown of the process:

Dissolving in Water: The powder is mixed into a glass of water. It's crucial to drink the solution while it is still actively fizzing for the best results, though it will still work if the bubbles have subsided.
Chemical Reaction: The sodium bicarbonate and citric acid react, producing carbon dioxide gas and a neutral salt (sodium citrate). The carbon dioxide gas is what causes the bubbling.
Neutralizing Stomach Acid: Once ingested, the sodium bicarbonate continues its work in the stomach, where it neutralizes the excess stomach acid that is causing the discomfort. The effervescence also helps to relieve bloating and gas by promoting burping.
Rapid Symptom Relief: The combination of neutralizing acid and expelling gas leads to fast relief from heartburn and indigestion, with some products claiming to work within seconds.

Fruit Salts vs. Traditional Antacids


Feature	Fruit Salts (e.g., Eno)	Traditional Antacids (e.g., Gaviscon, Tums)
Mechanism	Effervescent reaction with sodium bicarbonate to neutralize acid and release trapped gas.	Non-effervescent tablets, liquids, or chewables that contain calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, or magnesium hydroxide to neutralize acid.
Speed of Action	Extremely fast, with some formulations working within 6 seconds.	Can also act quickly, but may not be as rapid as the effervescent reaction of fruit salts.
Relief Focus	Primary focus on neutralizing excess stomach acid and relieving trapped wind/gas.	Focus primarily on acid neutralization, and some, like Gaviscon, create a foam barrier to prevent acid reflux.
Consumption Method	Powder dissolved in water, creating a fizzy beverage.	Ingested as a tablet, liquid, or chewable.
Sodium Content	High sodium content due to the sodium bicarbonate.	Can also contain sodium, but levels vary by brand and product type.

Who Should Be Cautious About Fruit Salts?

While effective for occasional use, fruit salts are not suitable for everyone and come with a set of precautions.

High Blood Pressure: The high sodium content can be problematic for individuals with hypertension or those on a sodium-restricted diet.
Kidney Problems: Individuals with impaired kidney function should consult a doctor, as the ingredients could affect kidney function.
Children: Most fruit salts are not recommended for children under 12 unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
Medication Interactions: Fruit salts can interfere with the absorption of other medications, and it's best to take them at least 1–2 hours apart from other drugs.
Overuse: Using fruit salts for more than a few consecutive days is not recommended, as persistent symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Homemade and Natural Alternatives

For those who prefer a natural approach or need to avoid the high sodium of commercial products, several alternatives can help with mild indigestion.

Baking Soda and Water: A simple solution of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water can act as a basic antacid. This was the traditional home remedy before commercial products became common. However, it lacks the pleasant taste and may be slower acting than the combined formula of fruit salts.
Herbal Teas: Ginger, peppermint, and chamomile teas have long been used to soothe upset stomachs and improve digestion.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Although acidic, some people find that a small amount mixed with water can help relieve indigestion. The theory is that it helps balance stomach acidity, though this is not backed by the same scientific evidence as sodium bicarbonate.

The Verdict: A Look at the Pros and Cons

Fruit salts are a quick and effective remedy for occasional bouts of indigestion and heartburn. Their effervescent action and rapid symptom relief have made them a popular choice for over a century. However, the high sodium content means they are not suitable for frequent use or for individuals with certain health conditions. For persistent or severe digestive problems, it is always best to consult a doctor. For occasional discomfort, they offer a reliable and fast-acting solution.

Visit Healthline for more in-depth information on managing indigestion and heartburn naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of fruit salts is to act as a fast-acting antacid to relieve symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, and bloating caused by excess stomach acid.

Many commercial fruit salt products are known for their rapid action, with some claiming to neutralize stomach acid and provide relief in as little as 6 seconds.

No, fruit salts are not recommended for daily, long-term use. They are best for occasional digestive issues. Continuous use could mask more serious medical conditions and contribute to electrolyte imbalances.

Individuals with high blood pressure should consult a doctor before using fruit salts due to the product's high sodium content, which can be detrimental to those on a sodium-restricted diet.

The effervescent reaction occurs when the fruit salts, which contain sodium bicarbonate and organic acids, are mixed with water. This reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, causing the fizz and helping to release trapped gas in the stomach.

Fruit salts act faster due to their effervescent nature, targeting both excess acid and trapped gas. Traditional tablets and liquids primarily focus on neutralizing stomach acid and may have a slower onset of action.

Yes, fruit salts can interfere with the absorption of certain medications. It is best to take them at least 1 to 2 hours apart from any other prescribed medicine.