Ingredient · E296

L-malic Acid

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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

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Hammond's Candies Since 1920, LLC Hammond's, Eliza Jayne Collection Lemon Drops Candy 333kcal 0Protein 0Fat 88.9Carbs Hammond's Candies Since 1920, LLC Hammond's, Super Sours Candy 333kcal 0Protein 0Fat 93.3Carbs Organic Electrolyte Infusions, Pineapple Mint ROAR BEVERAGES LLC Organic Electrolyte Infusions, Pineapple Mint Plant Based Water 4kcal 0Protein 0Fat 2.1Carbs Wildberry Flavored Fruit & Vegetable Blend Strips, Wildberry Star Markets Co. Wildberry Flavored Fruit & Vegetable Blend Strips, Wildberry Wholesome Snacks —kcal 0Protein 0Fat 85.7Carbs So Cool Brands LLC Apple Water Flavored Organically Thirst Quencher, Apple Water Water 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Organic Juice Ice Bars, Berry Pineapple, Concord Grape, Passion Fruit Land O'Lakes Development Co. Inc. Organic Juice Ice Bars, Berry Pineapple, Concord Grape, Passion Fruit Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 70kcal 0Protein 0Fat 16.3Carbs Hammond's Candies Since 1920, LLC Hammond's, Handmade Old Fashion Drops Sour Balls Candy 316kcal 0Protein 0Fat 84.2Carbs Apple 100% Juice Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 45kcal 0Protein 0Fat 10.5Carbs Strawberry Lemonade Organic Beverage, Strawberry Lemonade ROAR BEVERAGES LLC Strawberry Lemonade Organic Beverage, Strawberry Lemonade Other Drinks 4kcal 0Protein 0Fat 2.1Carbs Apple Juice, Apple Apple & Eve, LLC Apple Juice, Apple Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 45kcal 0Protein 0Fat 10.5Carbs Cherry, Grape And Fruit Punch Flavored Organic Freezer Pops, Cherry; Grape; Fruit Punch JonnyPops LLC Cherry, Grape And Fruit Punch Flavored Organic Freezer Pops, Cherry; Grape; Fruit Punch Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 60kcal 0Protein 0Fat 14.3Carbs Unsweetened Traditional Organic Yerba Mate, Unsweetened Traditional Guayaki Herbal Products Unsweetened Traditional Organic Yerba Mate, Unsweetened Traditional Other Drinks 2kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0.4Carbs
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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.