Ingredient · E296

Malic Acid For Flavor

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
Malic acid is primarily used to provide a tart, fruity flavor and to adjust …

What it is

Malic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in fruits like apples and cherries. It is often produced commercially through chemical synthesis or fermentation processes for use as a food additive.

Why it's used

Malic acid is primarily used to provide a tart, fruity flavor and to adjust the acidity of foods and beverages. It is commonly found in candies, baked goods, soft drinks, and fruit-flavored products.

Health notes

Malic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a normal part of cellular metabolism in humans. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated malic acid and found it safe for consumption. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical dietary intake.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Malic Acid For Flavor

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.