Malic Acid (E296)

Malic Acid

Malic acid is a naturally occurring organic dicarboxylic acid found in apples and other fruits, valued for its sour flavor and biodegradability. In the food industry, it serves as an acidulant to enhance tartness in beverages and candies, acts as a preservative by lowering pH, and improves texture in gels and beverages through chelation. It provides a smoother acidity profile than citric acid, mimicking natural fruit flavors.

Food Industry Applications

• Beverages: Adds sharp tartness to soft drinks, fruit juices, and sports drinks for refreshing taste balance.

• Confectionery: Enhances sourness in hard candies, gums, and jellies while preventing sugar crystallization.

• Baked Goods: Regulates acidity in fillings, icings, and fruit-based pastries to maintain freshness.

• Dairy Products: Stabilizes emulsions and flavors yogurts, cheeses, and frozen desserts.

• Processed Foods: Preserves color and extends shelf life in jams, sauces, and canned fruits.

Other Industry Applications

In cosmetics, it exfoliates skin and adjusts pH in cleansers; in cleaning products, it removes scale as a chelator; in textiles, it sets dyes and mordants fabrics; in agriculture, it chelates metals in fertilizers; in beverages (non-food), it flavors wine and beer.