Compare E296 vs E261, Malic acid vs Potassium acetate

Overview

E296 - Malic acid

Malic acid (E296) is a tart-tasting organic acid that gives foods a clean, fruity sourness. It helps control acidity, sharpen flavor, and keep certain products stable.

Potassium acetate (E261) is a food additive used to control acidity and help preserve foods. It is the potassium salt of acetic acid, the acid that gives vinegar its sharp taste. You’ll mostly see it in pickled or seasoned foods where a stable, mild acidity is needed.

Synonyms

E296

Malic acid

hydroxybutanedioic acid

l-malic acid

E261

Potassium acetate

Functions

acidity regulator

acidity regulator preservative

Origins

Products

Found in 11,508 products

Found in 293 products

Search rank & volume

#8528.3K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#1647.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.36

under-aware

×3.50

over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

Is malic acid bad for you?
No—at normal food levels it’s considered safe (GRAS in the U.S. and authorized in the EU); very high intakes or very sour products can irritate the mouth or stomach.
Is malic acid gluten free?
Yes. Malic acid is inherently gluten-free; check the overall product for other gluten-containing ingredients.
What is malic acid used for?
It’s an acidulant that provides a tart, apple-like sourness and adjusts pH in foods and drinks, commonly in beverages, candies, and fruit preparations.
Is malic acid bad for your teeth?
Acids like malic acid can contribute to enamel erosion with frequent exposure (e.g., sour candies, acidic drinks); limiting contact time and rinsing with water can help.
Is malic acid vegan?
Yes—malic acid is typically vegan, made synthetically or by microbial fermentation without animal-derived inputs, though other ingredients in a product may not be.

Comparing E296 - Malic acid vs E261 - Potassium acetate