E350 · Sodium malate, sodium hydrogen malate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E350?
Sodium malate and sodium hydrogen malate are sodium salts of malic acid used in food as acidity regulators, giving a mild tart taste while also helping buffer pH. They are found in some fruit-flavored products, candies, and beverages. They are considered safe food additives at typical use levels.
Also appears on labels as: Sodium malate, Sodium hydrogen malate, Disodium malate, Monosodium malate, Sodium salts of malic acid, Malic acid sodium salt, Disodium salt of malic acid, Monosodium salt of malic acid, E350, E 350, E-350, E350(i).
What the evidence says
- Adds to total sodium intake, a consideration for people managing blood pressure or on a low-sodium diet.
- Generally well tolerated at typical food-additive levels.
Research behind the verdict
- EFSA Re-evaluation of Malic Acid and Malates: Sodium Malate Safety Data — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, European Food Safety Authority (2024). Part of the European Food Safety Authority's comprehensive re-evaluation of malic acid and its salts, including sodium malate (E350). The ongoing assessment reviewed all available safety data and concluded that sodium malate has an excellent safety profile when used as approved. The compound occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables, particularly apples, supporting its safety for food use. No adverse effects were identified in toxicological studies, and the additive continues to be approved for use as an acidity regulator and flavor enhancer.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E350 safe?
Our overall verdict for E350 (Sodium malate, sodium hydrogen malate) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E350 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium malate, sodium hydrogen malate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E350 and why is it used?
Sodium malate and sodium hydrogen malate are sodium salts of malic acid used in food as acidity regulators, giving a mild tart taste while also helping buffer pH. They are found in some fruit-flavored products, candies, and beverages. They are considered safe food additives at typical use levels.
Does E350 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium malate, sodium hydrogen malate.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.