Yes — Halal

INS 296

preservatives

Malic Acid (DL- or L-)

Also known as: Malic AcidL-Malic AcidDL-Malic Acid E296 (EU/UK)

Status

Halal

Function

Acidity regulator and flavoring - tart, apple-like taste

Halal

Is INS 296 (Malic Acid) halal?

Generally accepted as halal. Typically derived from plant or synthetic sources with no prohibited ingredients.

What to do

Safe to buy. This additive is permissible under Islamic dietary law.

See which foods use it →

Where is INS 296 used?

INS (International Numbering System) codes are maintained by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and used on food labels in many countries outside the EU. You will commonly see INS 296 on packaging from:

AustraliaNew ZealandMalaysiaSingaporeIndonesiaIndiaSaudi ArabiaUAEGCC countries

In the EU and UK, the same additive appears as E296. The ingredient, halal status, and sourcing considerations are identical — only the labelling system differs.

EU / UK equivalent: E296

INS 296 and E296 refer to the same food additive — Malic Acid (DL- or L-). If you are checking a product purchased in the UK or Europe, look for E296 on the label instead.

See full E296 halal guide →

About INS 296

Miscellaneous - acids and their salts

Sources / Derived From

synthetic (from maleic anhydride)
naturally in apples, pears, grapes

Foods that commonly contain INS 296

sweetssoft drinkschewing gumjambaked goodsfermented foods

Frequently Asked Questions

Is INS 296 (Malic Acid (DL- or L-)) halal?

INS 296 (Malic Acid (DL- or L-)) is classified as Halal. Generally accepted as halal. Typically derived from plant or synthetic sources with no prohibited ingredients.

What is INS 296 used for?

INS 296 is used as a acidity regulator and flavoring - tart, apple-like taste in food products.

What is the difference between INS 296 and E296?

INS 296 and E296 are the same additive — Malic Acid (DL- or L-). INS numbers are used on food labels in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, and GCC countries. The E-number system (E296) is used in EU and UK markets. The halal status is identical regardless of which label system is used.

What foods contain INS 296?

INS 296 (Malic Acid (DL- or L-)) is commonly found in: sweets, soft drinks, chewing gum, jam, baked goods, fermented foods.

What is INS 296 made from?

INS 296 can be derived from: synthetic (from maleic anhydride), naturally in apples, pears, grapes.

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