If you check the label of many common foods like yogurt, fruit juice and candies, you may find malic acid as an ingredient. That's because malic acid is a natural food additive that adds a sharp or tart flavor to foods. While the name "acid" may sound forbidding, this acid is a fairly harmless way to enjoy sweet-tasting foods and beverages like wine and juices.
Naturally Occurring Foods
Malic acid is a compound present in several fruits, especially ones that are tart or sour. Lemons, cherries, tomatoes, bananas, watermelons and grapes all contain malic acid. However, malic acid was first isolated from apple juice. That's why it is called malic acid -- the Latin word for apple is "malum."
Properties
Malic acid's chemical name is C4H6O5, meaning it is an organic acid because it contains carbon. Malic acid's properties make it an ideal food additive. The acid's taste is mellow and smooth with a lasting sour flavor, meaning it can be used in candies to extend the taste. Malic acid also has a low melting point -- about 264 F. This melting point makes it ideal for adding into soft candies or other cookies and cakes. Manufacturers have long used malic acid because it is inexpensive to produce, adds a good flavor and is easy to add in a number of mixtures. It is comparable in flavor to citric acid, although citric acid is slightly less expensive to produce.
Artificially Flavored Foods
Because of its low melting point, malic acid is added to carbonated beverages, sports drinks, fruit drinks and iced teas. It can be used for powder-form mixes that are added to water. Malic acid also is fermented in wines and ciders to create a sharp taste. Foods that have malic acid added to them include hard candy, soft candy, chewing gums, sugarless candy, ice cream, cookies and cakes. Cough syrups, throat lozenges and effervescent powders also have malic acid to enhance flavor.
Considerations
While malic acid is a very mild acid, eating too much of it could irritate your mouth, according to Fit Sugar, a health and wellness website. Read the serving sizes for the foods you eat and stick within those parameters to best enjoy the fruity taste of malic acid in your food.
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