Benefits of Using Malic Acid in Food Production
Bite into a tart apple, and the flavor you perceive is most likely malic acid. As a matter of fact, chemist Antoine Lavoisier named this product acide malique — malique being the French derivation of Latin’s “malum” (apple) — because of its similarity to a sour apple flavor. This organic, dicarboxylic acid with molecular formula C4H6O5 is created by all living organisms and presents as a white, crystalline grain or powder when processed.
Advantages Over Other Acids
Bell Chem, your industrial chemical supplier, stocks malic acid as an ingredient in foods and beverages, where it is renowned not only for its lingering sour or tart flavor, but also as an acid, a pH controller, and a preservative. When compared to other organic acids, malic acid proves to have myriad advantages. Here are a few:
The melting point is lower to incorporate high-temperature confections, which defers the addition of water. In many foods, excess water increases the moisture level, leading to a contracted shelf life.
The sour tanginess increases at lower pH levels. Acidic foods with malic acid will have a more pungent tang.
It dissolves more rapidly, making it highly prized in powdered mixes.
The solubility of products containing malic acid increases.
Colors in foods and beverages are more uniform when malic acid is an ingredient.
Metal ions easily chelate with malic acid, removing them from foods and beverages.
Taste Advantages
Much like salt, malic acid intensifies flavor, which manufacturers find advantageous since it means fewer flavorings are necessary. This also leads to its addition to low-calorie products since less sugar is necessary for the same taste. Malic acid also melds different flavors within one product to create a more rounded taste experience; this leads to its inclusion into savory products such as spicy foods, cheeses, and coatings for snack crackers and chips. While some confections or salty snacks leave an overly memorable aftertaste, malic acid masks that flavor for a more pleasant experience.
Working with Other Acids
In sour candies and gums, many acids work together to increase the longevity of flavor. Initially, citric acid is enjoyed as a sour flavor before malic acid makes its appearance to continue where citric acid ended. Finally, fumaric acid sustains the tart flavor. Blending multiple acids known for their tart flavors allows for a pleasant, long-lasting taste experience.
Foods that Contain Malic Acid
Malic acid abounds in a wide variety of foods and beverages, including carbonated beverages, canned and fresh fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, dairy products, fruit and sports drinks, sweeteners, oils and oil emulsions, meat and fish, cereal, egg products, and packaged foods and desserts.
Bell Chem is a sanitation chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including malic acid. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.