Comparing E210 - Benzoic acid vs E297 - Fumaric acid
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 386 products
Found in 3,925 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is benzoic acid soluble in water?
Only sparingly—about 3 g per liter at room temperature; its solubility increases in hot water and it dissolves readily in many organic solvents.
Is benzoic acid polar?
It has a polar carboxyl group but a nonpolar aromatic ring, so overall it’s only weakly polar; its benzoate salt is much more polar and water‑soluble.
Is benzoic acid a strong acid?
No—it's a weak acid, with a pKa of about 4.2.
What is the melting point of benzoic acid?
About 122–123 °C (251–253 °F).
Is benzoic acid bad for you?
At approved food levels it’s considered safe, with an ADI of 0–5 mg/kg body weight/day; some people may experience irritation or hypersensitivity, and benzene formation in certain acidic drinks is monitored and kept very low.
Is fumaric acid bad for you?
No—at the small amounts used in foods it’s not considered harmful; very high intakes may irritate the stomach or teeth due to its acidity.
Is fumaric acid safe in food?
Yes; it’s an approved food acidulant (e.g., GRAS in the U.S.) and EFSA has found no safety concern at authorized uses and levels.
Is fumaric acid vegan?
Yes; it’s typically made synthetically or by microbial fermentation and does not require animal-derived ingredients.
What is fumaric acid in food?
An acidulant that adds tartness, controls pH, and functions as a slow-dissolving leavening acid—commonly used in beverages, confections, and tortillas to improve flavor and shelf life.
What is fumaric acid made from?
Commercially it’s produced by isomerizing maleic anhydride/maleic acid (petrochemical route) or by fermenting sugars with fungi such as Rhizopus; it also occurs naturally in small amounts in some plants and fungi.