Potassium Malate
Acidity Regulators
Flavoring Agents
Minerals & Trace Elements
585-09-1
E351
C₄H₅KO₅
$4.43 ~ $6.64
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/bag
One unit of:25kg/bag
25kg/bag
Product Info
What is Potassium Malate?
Potassium malate is the potassium salt of malic acid, primarily used as a food additive to regulate acidity, enhance flavor, and act as a buffering agent.
How is Potassium Malate made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Preparation | Weighing & Dosing | Use food-grade or higher L-Malic Acid and a potassium source (e.g., Potassium Carbonate or Potassium Hydroxide). Accurate weighing is critical to ensure the correct stoichiometric ratio for complete neutralization and to meet final product specifications. |
| 2 | Reaction | Neutralization | Slowly add the potassium source to an aqueous solution of malic acid in a glass-lined or stainless steel reactor under constant agitation. This reaction is exothermic; control temperature with a cooling jacket. The target pH is typically 6.0 - 8.0. Proper ventilation is required if Potassium Carbonate is used due to CO2 release. |
| 3 | Purification | Decolorization & Filtration | Add activated carbon to the resulting potassium malate solution to adsorb color and impurities. After a set agitation time, filter the solution through a filter press to remove the carbon and any suspended solids. The resulting filtrate must be clear and colorless. |
| 4 | Concentration | Vacuum Evaporation | The purified solution is concentrated by evaporating excess water under vacuum. Vacuum is used to lower the boiling point, preventing thermal degradation of the potassium malate. Monitor the solution's specific gravity or Brix to reach the target concentration. |
| 5 | Drying | Spray Drying | The concentrated liquid is atomized into a hot air stream within a spray dryer, instantly evaporating the remaining water and forming a fine powder. Control of inlet/outlet air temperatures is crucial for achieving the desired moisture content and particle size. |
| 6 | Finishing | Sieving & Packaging | The dried powder is passed through a vibrating sieve to ensure a uniform particle size and remove any lumps. The final product is then packaged into sealed, food-grade, moisture-proof bags or containers in a controlled, low-humidity environment. Final QC checks (assay, heavy metals, etc.) are performed. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 585-09-1 |
| Chemical Formula | C₄H₅KO₅ |
| Solubility | soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol |
| Storage Conditions | store in cool, dry, ventilated area, protect from moisture |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
used as acidity regulator
flavor enhancer
potassium supplement in beverages
confectionery
and other foods
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Potassium Malate |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Acidity Regulator; Flavor Enhancer; Humectant |
| Key Ingredients | Potassium Malate (Potassium salt of malic acid, E351) |
| Mechanism of Action | Functions as a buffering agent by accepting or donating protons to stabilize pH within a target range; imparts a smooth, persistent sour taste characteristic of malic acid; acts as a humectant by binding free water molecules via its hydrophilic carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. |
| Application Effect in Product | Controls pH in beverages, jams, and confectioneries; provides a long-lasting, mellow sourness that enhances fruit flavors; improves moisture retention and texture in baked goods and low-moisture foods; contributes to shelf stability by managing water activity and pH. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potassium Malate | Acidity Regulator, Potassium Supplement | Potassium salt of malic acid; provides a smooth, persistent sourness; buffers pH; highly soluble. | Milder, less sharp taste than citrate/citric acid. Provides potassium without chloride's off-taste. Dual function as acidulant and nutrient. | Less common and potentially more expensive than citrate or citric acid. Lower acidifying power than pure malic acid. | Beverages, confectionery, and processed foods needing pH control, smooth sourness, and potassium fortification (e.g., sports drinks, low-sodium products). | For a smooth, persistent sour flavor profile combined with potassium supplementation, especially in low-sodium or chloride-free applications. |
| Potassium Citrate | Acidity Regulator, Potassium Supplement | Potassium salt of citric acid; strong pH buffer; highly soluble; common in food and pharma. | Widely available and often more cost-effective than potassium malate. Strong buffering capacity. | Provides a sharper, less complex sour note compared to malate. Can have a slightly saline taste at high concentrations. | pH buffering in beverages, dairy products, and nutritional supplements where potassium fortification is also needed. | When cost-effective pH control and potassium fortification are primary goals, and a sharper flavor profile is acceptable. |
| Malic Acid | Food Acidulant, Flavor Enhancer | Organic acid; provides a smooth, lingering sour taste that mimics fruit tartness; enhances other flavors. | Stronger, more persistent sourness than citric acid. Blends well with and enhances fruit flavors. | Does not provide potassium. Can be more hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) than its salts. | Hard candies, fruit-flavored beverages, powdered mixes, and chewing gum for a lasting sour taste. | For a targeted, strong, and persistent sour flavor without adding minerals like sodium or potassium. |
| Potassium Chloride | Potassium Supplement, Salt Substitute | Simple inorganic salt (KCl); high concentration of potassium; primary component in salt replacers. | High potassium content per gram. The most cost-effective source of potassium. | Lacks any acidity or buffering function. Can impart a bitter or metallic off-taste, especially at higher concentrations. | Low-sodium salt blends, nutritional supplements, and electrolyte powders where taste can be masked or is less critical. | Purely for cost-effective potassium fortification when acidity regulation is not needed and potential off-flavors can be managed. |
| Citric Acid | Food Acidulant, Preservative | Most common food acidulant; provides a sharp, immediate tart flavor; acts as a chelating agent. | Very inexpensive, widely available, and provides a bright, clean, immediate sour taste. | Does not provide potassium. Lacks the flavor persistence and smoothness of malic acid. Its sharpness can be overpowering. | Carbonated beverages, jams, jellies, and sour candies where a strong, immediate burst of tartness is desired. | For a strong, immediate, and highly cost-effective sourness and pH reduction. The industry standard for general acidulation. |
| Sodium Malate | Acidity Regulator, Flavor Enhancer | Sodium salt of malic acid; buffers pH; provides a smooth sour and slightly salty taste. | Similar smooth flavor profile to potassium malate. Can enhance savory flavors due to sodium content. | Adds sodium to the formulation, which is often undesirable in health-focused products. Does not provide potassium. | Savory applications like soups, sauces, and processed meats where pH control and flavor enhancement are needed and sodium is acceptable. | When the smooth malate flavor is desired, but sodium addition is acceptable or beneficial, and potassium is not required. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA and monographs available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
MSDS available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications