What is E352?
Calcium malate — a simple calcium salt of malic acid, the tart-tasting acid naturally found in apples, used as an acidity regulator.
E352 (calcium malate) is made by combining calcium with malic acid, the acid that gives apples and many other fruits their tart taste. It's used as an acidity regulator in a small range of processed foods, and is also found in some calcium supplements. Goodnessly rates it Safe.
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Read the FAQ →
What is calcium malate?
Calcium malate is made by combining calcium with malic acid, the acid responsible for the tartness of apples and many other fruits. It's a straightforward derivative of a very common food acid, and beyond its additive role, it's also used in some calcium supplements as an alternative to calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.
What's it used for?
- Acidity regulator in a range of processed foods
- Buffering agent to stabilise pH
- Used in some calcium supplements
Where you'll find 352 on the shelf
A minor, functional ingredient in a small range of processed foods.
Is calcium malate safe? What the research says
Calcium malate is derived from malic acid, one of the most common and well-reviewed food acids, with a clean regulatory record.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted | Permitted as an acidity regulator with no specific quantity restriction in most categories. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Permitted | Listed as E352, approved for general food use. |
| US United States (FDA) | Not listed | No separate US clearance for calcium malate. Malic acid itself is GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1069. |
Malic acid occurs naturally in apples, grapes and many other fruits, and is one of the most common acids in the human diet.
- No significant regulatory changes: calcium malate's approval status has remained stable, reflecting its long, low-controversy safety record.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who this matters to
- No population group has a specific safety-based reason to limit E352 at typical food-additive levels
Goodnessly rates E352 Safe. It's derived from malic acid, one of the most common acids in the human diet.
How to spot it on a label
E352 is usually declared clearly. Look out for:
- Calcium malate
- 352 or E352
- "Acidity regulator (352)" in the ingredients list
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
Is calcium malate the same as malic acid?
Closely related but not identical. Calcium malate is made by combining calcium with malic acid, producing a salt with similar acidity-regulating properties.
Is malic acid found naturally in food?
Yes — malic acid occurs naturally in apples, grapes and many other fruits, and is one of the most common acids in the human diet.
Does Goodnessly rate E352 as safe, caution, or avoid?
Goodnessly rates E352 (Calcium Malate) as Safe. It's derived from malic acid, one of the most common and well-reviewed acids in the human diet.
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