Gastric Juice: How Your Stomach Breaks Down Food - Causes & Composition

The liquid that breaks down food in your stomach is called gastric juice. Gastric juice is produced in the stomach and contains hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and mucus. Hydrochloric acid kills bacteria and helps to break down proteins, while pepsin breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. Mucus protects the stomach lining from the hydrochloric acid.