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E355AcidulantLow concern
Adipic Acid
In plain words
The short version
An acidulant giving a smooth, lingering tartness — common in powdered drinks, gelatin desserts, and fillings.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI 5 mg/kg body weight (JECFA). Metabolized normally by the body. In 2025 JECFA found that most of its conservative estimates of dietary exposure (which it noted are overestimated) greatly exceed this ADI, and said the toxicology of adipic acid needs to be re-evaluated.
The detail
A dicarboxylic acid produced industrially (mostly as a nylon feedstock); the food grade is used as an acidulant. Occurs naturally in beetroot.
Acidulant and flavoring that gives a smooth, lingering tartness less sharp than citric acid — used in powdered drink mixes, gelatin desserts, fruit fillings, and some baking powders. Its low tendency to absorb moisture helps keep dry mixes free-flowing.
White crystalline powder, moderately water-soluble, with low hygroscopicity.
Permitted in the EU, the US (GRAS), and globally with an ADI.
Sources
- WHO JECFA database — Adipic acid (INS 355), including the 100th meeting (2025) exposure assessment — World Health Organization / JECFA, 2025. Group ADI 0–5 mg/kg bw; 2025 exposure finding and call for re-evaluation
- 21 CFR 184.1009 — Adipic acid (GRAS affirmation), Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, revised as of April 1, 2025 — U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo) / FDA, 2025. US GRAS status as flavoring, leavening and pH control agent
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 — Union list of food additives (Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008) — EUR-Lex / European Union, 2011. EU authorisation of E 355
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.