Ingredient · E296

Apple Acid

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use apple acid primarily as an acidity regulator to provide a tart or …

What it is

Apple acid is the common name for malic acid, an organic compound naturally found in fruits like apples. It can be produced industrially through chemical synthesis or by fermenting carbohydrates.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use apple acid primarily as an acidity regulator to provide a tart or sour taste. It is commonly found in beverages, candies, desserts, and processed fruits.

Health notes

In the US, malic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated malic acid and set an acceptable daily intake. At typical consumption levels found in food, it is not associated with adverse health effects.

Allergen info

Malic acid is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Products containing Apple Acid

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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.