Abstract: This invention relates to a method for sterilization and preservation of food utilizing a blend of food acidulants. Adding blends of glucono-delta-lactone and adipic acid, with or without malic acid and/or citric acid will lower the pH of the food without the expected consequence of proportionately increasing the acidic flavor of the food product. This permits processing the food under milder conditions (heating or otherwise) resulting in a better quality food product more acceptable to consumers. The acidulant blends of the present invention also have application in the preparation of non-food consumer products.