Ingredient · E296

L-malic Acid

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add L-malic acid to foods and beverages to provide a tart, sour taste …

What it is

L-malic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in fruits like apples. It is produced commercially through chemical synthesis or fermentation processes.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add L-malic acid to foods and beverages to provide a tart, sour taste and to regulate acidity. It is commonly found in candies, fruit drinks, and other processed foods where a sour flavor is desired.

Health notes

L-malic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated malic acid. At typical consumption levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects. Research has explored its role in energy metabolism, but evidence regarding significant health benefits or risks from dietary intake is mixed.

Allergen info

L-malic acid is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing L-malic Acid

Compare products →

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.