E350: Sodium Malates
Main role: acidity buffering
Also listed as: sodium malate, sodium hydrogen malate
What is E350 (Sodium Malates)?
E350 covers sodium salts of malic acid. They can help buffer acidity in a recipe instead of only supplying the free acid's tartness. The family includes forms with different degrees of neutralization.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is acidity buffering. Acidity regulators adjust or buffer pH. The resulting acidity depends on the whole recipe, not just the presence of one acid or salt. Acidity control may also affect texture and the performance of other ingredients.
Food and formulation examples
- Acidity-control food blends
- Selected beverage preparations
- Fruit-style formulations
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E350, E 350, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include sodium malate, sodium hydrogen malate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Sodium malates and malic acid E296 belong to the same acid family but are not interchangeable quantities in a recipe. Check the exact ingredient when comparing acidity systems.
Is E350 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E350 as Sodium malates. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.