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Malic Acid

What is Malic Acid?

Malic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in many fruits and vegetables. It is widely used across food and beverage manufacturing due to its multifunctional properties, which include:

  • Acidulation & pH Control: Functions as an acidulant to regulate and lower pH in food and beverage systems, supporting product stability, microbial safety, and shelf life.
  • Flavor Enhancement & Masking: Intensifies fruit flavors, imparts a smooth and lingering tartness, and masks unwanted bitter or metallic aftertastes, including those from artificial sweeteners.
  • Sour Taste Delivery: Provides the sharp, sustained sour taste characteristic of sour candies and confections, where it is preferred over citric acid for its more prolonged sensory profile.
  • Color Stabilization: Acts as a color stabilizer and fade inhibitor in fruit preparations, beverages, and processed produce, helping maintain visual appeal.
  • Antioxidant Synergy: Used as a synergist with antioxidants in edible oil processing to control metal traces and reduce rancidity.

Questions about Malic Acid Availability, Pricing or Product Specs?

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Malic Acid Technical & Product Specifications

Characteristic

Specification
Chemical Name/Synonyms Malic Acid (DL-Malic Acid, 2-Hydroxysuccinic Acid, Hydroxybutanedioic Acid, E296)
CAS Number 617-48-1 (DL form) / 97-67-6 (L form)
Molecular Formula/Weight C₄H₆O₅ / 134.09 g/mol
Appearance White or nearly white crystalline powder or granules
Odor Odorless
Taste Strong, clean acidic taste, more prolonged tartness than citric acid
Solubility Freely soluble in water (1 g in 0.8 mL water) and alcohol
pKa (approx.) ~2.2-2.7
Typical Assay (Purity) 99.0-100.5% (FCC/USP)
Regulatory/Grade FCC, USP/NF food-grade with Kosher status available
Packaging Options 25kg / 55lb bags; additional configurations available upon request
Microbial Limits Conforms to FCC/USP food safety standards

Regulatory & Handling Considerations

  • Food Regulatory Approvals: Authorized for use in food and beverages in the U.S. (FDA GRAS) and globally under food additive regulations (e.g., EU E296 designation; approved in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada).
  • Stability: Stable under normal food processing temperatures. At temperatures exceeding 140 °C under anaerobic conditions, malic acid can convert to fumaric and maleic acids. Storage in airtight containers at 10-25 °C and low humidity is recommended.
  • Ingredient Interactions: Aqueous solutions are mildly corrosive to carbon steel equipment; stainless steel process equipment is recommended. Compatible with a wide range of flavor systems and other acidulants including citric acid and fumaric acid.
  • Handling: Use gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask when handling powder. Inhalation of dust may cause respiratory irritation.

Benefits of Malic Acid for Food & Beverage Manufacturers

  • Delivers a clean, prolonged tartness preferred in fruit-flavored and sour applications
  • Enhances and intensifies fruit flavor profiles at lower use levels than some alternative acidulants
  • Effectively masks bitter aftertastes from artificial sweeteners in reduced-sugar formulations
  • Stabilizes color and inhibits browning in processed fruit and vegetable products
  • Non-hygroscopic and free flowing, making it suitable for dry mix and powdered applications
  • Meets global food-grade standards (FCC, USP, EU E296) for safety and purity

About American International Foods, Inc. (AIFI) - A Malic Acid Supplier & Distributor

American International Foods, Inc. is a leading malic acid supplier with an additional full-service portfolio of over 2500 food and beverage ingredients. We offer one of the most extensive lines of acidulants distributed to manufacturers and processors in the food, beverage, pet food, health and nutrition sectors. With a strategic nationwide warehouse network and our reliable just-in-time deliveries, we can supply your business with high quality malic acid at competitive prices.