Description
Sodium benzoate is a widely used food-grade preservative that helps inhibit the growth of yeast, mold, and some bacteria in acidic foods and beverages. It is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and occurs as a white, odorless, crystalline powder or granules. Sodium benzoate is highly effective in low-pH (acidic) products, making it one of the most popular preservatives in the food industry. Sodium Benzoate is often combined with Potassium Sorbate in low pH products to provide a synergistic preservative effect against yeast and mold. Sodium benzoate is a also the preservative found in many foods and soft drinks.
Key Features
• Cost-effective preservative
• Highly soluble in water
• Effective in acidic foods (pH below 4.5)
• Inhibits yeast, mold, and some bacteria
• Approved by FDA, EFSA, WHO, and other authorities
Chemical Information
• E Number: E211
• CAS Number: 532-32-1
• Appearance: White, crystalline powder or granules
• Solubility: Easily dissolves in water
• Effective pH Range: 2.5 – 4.5
Benefits in Food Applications:
• Extends product shelf life
• Prevents spoilage and fermentation
• Maintains product safety and quality
• Neutral taste – does not alter flavor
• Compatible with other preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate)
Common Food Applications:
• Beverages: soft drinks, juices, flavored water
• Condiments: salad dressings, ketchup, sauces, pickles
• Processed fruits: jams, jellies, syrups
• Baked goods: pastries with fruit fillings
• Fermented products: olives, vinegar-based products
• Dairy alternatives: flavored yogurt drinks, plant-based milk
Typical usage rate: 0.05% to 0.1% (500–1000 ppm)
Effective pH range: 2.5 to 4.5
Solubility: Easily dissolves in water, better in warm water
Best added during mixing or processing
Heat-stable under most food processing conditions
Safety and Regulations
Sodium benzoate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. FDA and approved in the EU (E211). It is safe when used within the recommended limits and does not accumulate in the body. Regulatory authorities typically allow up to 1000 mg/kg in food products.
Sodium Benzoate is not a broad spectrum preservative for cosmetic use and should be combined with other preservatives. If Sodium Benzoate is used as a preservative, the pH of the finished product may need to be lowered enough to release the free acid for useful activity.
Sodium Benzoate is the inactive salt of benzoic acid. It is soluble in water where it converts to benzoic acid, its active form, at a low pH. Benzoic acid is very pH dependent. While it shows some activity up to pH 6 (about 1.55%), it is most active at pH 3 (94%).
As benzoic acid, it is considered to be primarily an anti-fungal, but it shows some activity against bacteria. It is poor against pseudomonads. Benzoic acid is inactivated by non-ionics and by raising the pH.
CAS No.: 532-32-1
INCI: Sodium Benzoate
Appearance: white powder
Solubility: Water soluble
Usage rate:0.1-0.3
pH range: pH range below 5
Packaging: Our powders are packed in water proof ziplock pouches to avoid spillage.
Recommended Storage: Our powders should be stored in cool temperatures away from direct sunlight and moisture in an airtight container.
Kindly note that you are responsible for researching, testing, and understanding ingredients before buying. –
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.