Malic acid dosage

What is malic acid?

Malic acid (CAS No. 6915-15-7) is an organic acid naturally present in fruits, particularly apples, grapes, and berries. It contributes acidity and flavor to many foods and is also used in formulations for its preservative, acidifying, and exfoliating properties.

It is frequently found in:

• Fruit juices and functional drinks
• Sour candies and confectionery products
• Herbal food supplements
• Cosmetic products (scrubs, gentle peels) for their keratolytic action

Why measure malic acid?

The dosage of malic acid is essential in several industrial contexts:

• Quality control of food and cosmetic formulations
• Verification of compliance with specifications (acidity, taste, stability)
• Nutritional labeling and compliance with regulatory claims
• Evaluation of the freshness of natural or fermented products
• Detection of fraud or unauthorized additions of synthetic acidifiers

In the food industry, precise dosage allows for control of pH, preservation, and sensory profile. In cosmetics, it allows for validation of acid concentration to ensure efficacy and safety.

Available analytical methods

YesWeLab offers several reliable and standardized techniques for measuring malic acid:

• HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography): the reference method for precise quantification in complex matrices
• UV spectrophotometry: rapid method suitable for simple or transparent products
• Acid-base titration: useful as a complement to determine total acidity in beverages or extracts

Each method is chosen according to the matrix, the expected level of precision and possible interferences.

Affected matrices

This dosage applies to a wide range of products:

• Fruit juices, sour drinks, smoothies
• Confectionery, chewing gum, coatings
• Nutraceutical products based on plants, fruits, vinegar
• Food supplements (capsules, powders, extracts)
• Exfoliating or acidic cosmetic products (AHA, scrubs)
• Fermented foods (wines, kombucha, vinegar, etc.)

The HPLC method is particularly recommended for colored, viscous products or those containing several organic acids (e.g. citric, lactic, tartaric).

Regulations and standards

Malic acid is an authorized additive (E296) in Europe in foodstuffs. Its dosage allows:

• Check the added concentration against the maximum permitted limits
• Control levels in organic or “additive-free” products
• Provide data for nutrition labeling compliant with INCO or FDA regulations
• Meet the requirements of quality labels or export certifications

It can also serve as an indicator of plant origin or maturity in certain processed products.

Why choose YesWeLab?

At YesWeLab , we provide you with a network of ISO 17025 accredited laboratories, selected for their expertise in physicochemical and nutritional analyses.
Our services include:

• Selecting the right analytical method for your product
• A detailed report with actionable results for labeling or audits
• Regulatory support on request (label review, best before end, export)
• Centralization of your analyses via an intuitive and secure digital platform

Need to measure malic acid in your products?

YesWeLab supports you in ensuring the compliance, quality, and safety of your agri-food, cosmetic, or nutraceutical products.
Contact our scientific team today for a personalized quote or feasibility study.