E296 - Malic acid
By the Daat team · Updated October 30, 2026
E296 is malic acid, the sharp acid of green apples.
It is behind the bite of sour sweets, and in our catalog it is indeed most common in confectionery. It is also used in drinks and jams.
How common is it? 1.8% of the products we checked, 300 in all, led by chocolate and sweets and drinks.
E296 at a glance
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Malic acid |
| Function | Acid / acidity regulator |
| Origin | Plant, mineral or synthetic |
| Vegan / vegetarian | Yes / Yes |
Is E296 vegan?
Yes. E296 has no animal source, so it suits both vegans and vegetarians.