Comparing E297 - Fumaric acid vs E296 - Malic acid
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 3,925 products
Found in 11,508 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
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.
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.