E363: Succinic Acid
Main role: acidity adjustment
Also listed as: butanedioic acid
What is E363 (Succinic Acid)?
Succinic acid E363 is an organic acid used in selected food acidity systems. It is a different compound from citric, lactic, and malic acids. A manufacturer's choice of acid can change flavor, buffering, and processing behavior.
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 beverage powders
- Selected food 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 E363, E 363, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include butanedioic acid. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
The fact that succinic acid also occurs in biological metabolism does not establish a health benefit from adding it to a food. Its listed role is technological.
Is E363 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 E363 as Succinic 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.