Malic Acid

Malic Acid

What is it?

Malic acid is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₄H₆O₅. It is classified as a dicarboxylic acid that is made by all living organisms. It contributes to the sour taste of fruits, and is used as a food additives.

This acid occurs naturally in all fruits and many vegetables, and is generated in fruit metabolism. It is the main acid in many fruits, that includes apricots, blackberries ,blueberries, cherries, grapes, mirabelles, peaches, pears, plums and quince to name a few. It is present in lower concentrations in other fruits, such as Citrus. In citrus, fruits produced in organic farming contain higher levels of malic acid than fruits produced in conventional agriculture.

When adding this acid to food products, it is denoted by E-number E296. It is sometimes used with or in place of the less sour citric acid in sour sweets. These sweets are sometimes labeled with a warning stating that excessive consumption can cause irritation of the mouth. It is approved for use as a food additive in the EU, US, Australia and New Zealand (where it is listed by its INS number 296). One of the major uses is as a food additive to add a sour taste to foods and drinks.

Malic acid contains 10 kJ (2.39 kilocalories) of energy per gram.

It is also used in cosmetics products like skincare creams, lotions and makeup . Also the pharmaceutical industry make use of it for a variety of supplements and medicine in small amounts.