When used as a food additive, the hydrophobic nature of fumaric acid results in persistent, long lasting sourness and flavor impact. The versatile compound also decreases the pH with minimal added sourness in products with pHs greater than 4.5. Its low molecular weight gives fumaric acid more buffering capacity than other food acids at pHs near 3.O.

Because of its strength, less fumaric acid is required when compared to other organic food acids, therefore reducing costs per unit weight.