E355: Adipic Acid
Main role: acidity adjustment
Also listed as: hexanedioic acid
What is E355 (Adipic Acid)?
Adipic acid E355 is an organic acid used in specified acidity applications. Its physical properties can be useful in certain dry or gelled preparations. Food-grade adipic acid is defined by its specification, independently of the compound's industrial uses.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is acidity adjustment. 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
- Specified dessert mixes
- Selected confectionery
- Dry acidity preparations
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 E355, E 355, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include hexanedioic acid. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
A chemical can have both food and industrial applications. That does not make industrial material edible, or establish that a compliant food preparation has the same exposure as an industrial use.
Is E355 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 E355 as Adipic acid. 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.