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E296 Malic acid

E296Acidity regulatorsOrigin: Lab-made
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The short answer
Malic acid (E296) is the sour taste of green apples, made in a factory for candy and drinks. It's safe, though very sour candy can wear down tooth enamel.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE296
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesAcidity regulators
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledMalic acid, DL-malic acid

Make sour candy at home

For your pantry
Food-grade pouch

Malic acid powder

Mix with sugar to coat gummies with a sour shell.

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Precision tool

0.01 g digital micro scale

A gram too much and the candy turns painfully sour.

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Candy tool

Silicone gummy molds

Make your own gummies to coat.

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved everywhere with no daily limit. In baby food the EU allows only the natural L form.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Malic acid gives a sharp, lingering sourness that lasts longer than citric acid. It's the main acid behind extreme sour candy and the tang in many sugar-free drinks.

Where it comes from: Most food-grade malic acid is made from maleic anhydride, a petroleum chemical. The same acid occurs naturally in apples, cherries and grapes.

Why it’s in food

  • Makes sour candy extra sour
  • Hides the aftertaste of low-calorie sweeteners
  • Adds a fruity tang to drinks and gum
  • Lowers pH in jams and fillings

Often found in

Sour candy and sour powderApple- and cherry-flavored drinksDiet sodaChewing gumHard candyFruit fillings

Also listed as: Malic acid, DL-malic acid, L-malic acid, Apple acid

Health & gut impact

TeethConcern

Like all food acids, frequent sour candy and sipped acidic drinks soften tooth enamel. Rinsing with water afterward helps.

Lussi & Carvalho, Monogr. Oral Sci. (2014)

Safety reviewBenefit

The body makes malic acid as part of normal energy metabolism, and regulators set no daily limit.

21 CFR 184.1069

What can I use instead?

Citric acid

Ratio: About 1:1 by weight

Best for: Candy, jams and drinks

Lactic acid

Ratio: About 1:1 by weight

Best for: A milder sourness

Related

More acidity regulators:

Citric Acid E330Citric acid (E330) is the sour acid of lemons, made by fermentation. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly.Generally safeCream of tartar (Potassium bitartrate) E336Cream of tartar (E336) is a natural acid scraped from wine barrels. Bakers use it to whip stable meringue and to make baking powder. It's safe, vegan and fits every diet we check.Generally safeLactic acid E270Lactic acid (E270) is a mild food acid made by fermenting plant sugars. It's safe, fits every diet we check, and has nothing to do with lactose.Generally safePhosphoric Acid E338Phosphoric acid (E338) gives cola its sharp bite. It's fine for every diet, but heavy cola drinking is linked to lower bone density in women and to tooth erosion.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Malic acid safe?

Generally safe (92/100). Approved everywhere with no daily limit. In baby food the EU allows only the natural L form.

Is Malic acid vegan?

Yes.

Is Malic acid gluten-free?

Yes.

Is malic acid natural?

It occurs naturally in fruit, but the malic acid added to food is almost always made synthetically. It's the same molecule either way.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 184.1069 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E296
  • Lussi & Carvalho, Monogr. Oral Sci. (2014)
  • 21 CFR 184.1069

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026 · INS 296 · CAS 6915-15-7