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Malic Acid (E296) — What You Need to Know

Safe(9/10)Natural

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Malic Acid?

Malic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found abundantly in apples, grapes, and many other fruits. Its name derives from the Latin word for apple, malum. It is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle), the fundamental energy-producing metabolic pathway in all living cells.

What Is It Used For?

Used as an acidity regulator and flavor enhancer to create tart and sour tastes in candy, beverages, and fruit-flavored products. Sometimes used as a cost-effective alternative to citric acid.

Function: Acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, sour taste agent
20 mg
Dataset exposure estimate

Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not specified mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). No usage restrictions.
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): No ADI needed. Classified as quantum satis (no numerical limit required). Both L-malic and DL-malic forms are approved.
⚠️ Key Concerns

Named after the Latin word for apple (malum). Naturally present in many fruits — apples contain 1-2% malic acid. Key intermediate in the Krebs cycle (cellular energy production) in the human body. No safety concerns. Used to create the tart/sour taste in candy and beverages. Both L-malic and DL-malic forms are approved. Sometimes used as a cheaper alternative to citric acid for acidity regulation.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Malic Acid an editorial context label of Safe with a score of 9/10. This is 0.2 points above the database average for acidity regulators (8.8/10). Dataset reference year: 2018.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

Sour candyFruit-flavored beveragesCiderWineJamsChewing gum
Example brands:
HariboWarheadsSour Patch Kids

Always check the label for E296 or 'Malic Acid'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C4H6O5
Molecular Weight: 134.09 g/mol
CAS Number: 6915-15-7
INS Number: 296
Also known as: E296, INS 296, Hydroxybutanedioic acid, Apple acid

Frequently Asked Questions about Malic Acid

Current dataset status: FDA — GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). No usage restrictions.; EFSA/EU — No ADI needed. Classified as quantum satis (no numerical limit required). Both L-malic and DL-malic forms are approved.. Reported concerns: Named after the Latin word for apple (malum). Naturally present in many fruits — apples contain 1-2% malic acid. Key intermediate in the Krebs cycle (cellular energy production) in the human body. No safety concerns. Used to create the tart/sour taste in candy and beverages. Both L-malic and DL-malic forms are approved. Sometimes used as a cheaper alternative to citric acid for acidity regulation. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E296
INS Number
296
Category
Acidity Regulators
Origin
Natural
FDA Status
GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). No usage restrictions.
EFSA Status
No ADI needed. Classified as quantum satis (no numerical limit required). Both L-malic and DL-malic forms are approved.
ADI
Not specified mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2018
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other acidity regulators in the same family

Citric Acid (E330)Tartaric Acid (E334)Fumaric Acid (E297)Lactic Acid (E270)