PURAC Powder MA, the coated malic acid from Purac, has been granted GRAS (generally recognised as safe) status and can now be used in confectionery, powdered beverages and jellies in the USA.
A stable acid powder, PURAC Powder MA is a malic acid coated in sodium hydrogen malate which is claimed to remain stable even in products with an extended shelf life and is said to deliver an instant but long-lasting sour taste in the mouth.
According to the company, many acids used in confectionery applications are coated in fat, where hygroscopicity, acid migration and gelatin degradation can occur, resulting in sticky or humid products with impaired visual appeal.
The migration issue, said Purac, means traditional acid powders have a duller acidic taste, especially in long shelf-life products. PURAC Powder MA, on the other hand, has a coating made of partially neutralised polycarboxylic acid, which remains dry throughout the product's shelf life and then dissolves much faster on consumption than fat coatings. This offers an instantaneous, refreshing burst of acidity. Purac says that its fresh, fruity taste profile and long-lasting stability make it ideal for acid sanding in confectionery products.
"This is great news for formulators looking for a sour taste and superior product stability," said Hans Schinck, category manager, taste and nutrition at Purac. "The twin benefits of PURAC Powder MA, which is already used in a range of European confectionery products, are now available to the North American market as well. With new product developments in South America and Asia, we expect PURAC Powder MA will become the malic acid powder of choice worldwide."
