TempoLife › Features › E-number additive encyclopedia › e296
Malic acid (E296)
Malic acid is a acidity regulator used in sweets, drinks, jams.. EFSA has published no numeric acceptable daily intake for it.
What it does
The acid of apples.
Where you meet it
Sweets, drinks, jams.
This page describes the general scientific position. Allergies and sensitivities are individual: if your body disagrees with an additive, avoid it regardless of any ADI.
Sources: EFSA — food additives re-evaluations · Open Food Facts — additives taxonomy · checked 2026-09-03
Frequently asked questions
What is Malic acid (E296)?
Acidity regulator. The acid of apples. It is used in Sweets, drinks, jams.
How much malic acid is safe?
EFSA published no numeric ADI, which usually means the substance is so benign that no limit needed to be set — or that intake is self-limiting. The assessment itself is still a full safety evaluation.
Should I avoid malic acid?
For a healthy adult there is no reason to avoid it at typical intakes. If you have a diagnosed sensitivity or a health condition, your clinician's advice is the one that counts.
E100 · Curcumin
Colour (yellow)
E101 · Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Colour (yellow)
E102 · Tartrazine
Colour (yellow)
E104 · Quinoline yellow
Colour (yellow-green)
E110 · Sunset yellow FCF
Colour (orange)
E120 · Carmine / cochineal
Colour (red)
Label-literate and hungry
TempoLife turns the reading habit into a food plan: what you eat, how much, and where it leaves your day.