Malic acid assay

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 to the acidity and flavor of 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 dietary supplements
• Cosmetic products (scrubs, gentle peels) for their keratolytic action

Why measure malic acid?

Malic acid analysis is essential in several industrial contexts:

• Quality control of food and cosmetic formulations
• Verification of compliance with specifications (acidity, taste, stability)
• Nutritional labelling and compliance with regulatory claims
• Freshness assessment of natural or fermented products
• Detection of fraud or unauthorized addition of synthetic acidifiers

In the food industry, precise dosing allows for control of pH, shelf life, and sensory profile. In cosmetics, it allows for validation of acid concentration to guarantee 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: a rapid method suitable for simple or transparent products
• Acid-base titration: useful as a supplement to determine the total acidity in beverages or extracts

Each method is chosen according to the matrix, the expected level of accuracy and any potential interferences.

Affected matrices

This dosage applies to a wide range of products:

• Fruit juices, acidic drinks, smoothies
• Confectionery, chewing gum, coatings
• Nutraceutical products made from plants, fruits, vinegar
• Dietary supplements (capsules, powders, extracts)
• Exfoliating or acidic cosmetic products (AHAs, scrubs)
• Fermented foods (wines, kombucha, vinegar, etc.)

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

Regulations and standards

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

• Check the added concentration against the maximum permitted limits
• Checking the levels in organic or "additive-free" products
• Providing data for nutritional labeling compliant with INCO or FDA regulations
• Meeting 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 analytical method best suited to your product
• A detailed report with actionable results for labeling or audits
• Regulatory support available upon request (label review, best before dates, export)
• Centralizing your analyses via an intuitive and secure digital platform

Need to measure the malic acid content in your products?

YesWeLab helps you ensure the compliance, quality, and safety of your food, cosmetic, or nutraceutical products.
Contact our scientific team today for a personalized quote or a feasibility study.