Ingredient · E281

And Sodium Propionate

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Sodium propionate is used as a preservative to inhibit the growth of mold and …

What it is

Sodium propionate is a salt of propionic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid. It is produced industrially by reacting propionic acid with sodium hydroxide. It appears as a white crystalline powder.

Why it's used

Sodium propionate is used as a preservative to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria in baked goods. It helps extend the shelf life of products like cakes, cupcakes, and snack cakes.

Health notes

In the United States, sodium propionate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have also evaluated its safety. Studies on sodium propionate have not shown adverse health effects at typical consumption levels.

Allergen info

Sodium propionate is not derived from any of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing And Sodium Propionate

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Tasty Baking Company Tastykake, Cupcakes, Strawberry, Strawberry Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 368kcal 1.8Protein 10.5Fat 64.9Carbs Tasty Baking Company Tastykake, Minis Cupcake, Koffee Kake, Koffee Kake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 419kcal 4.7Protein 18.6Fat 58.1Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Old Fashioned Chocolate Eclair Pie Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving 377kcal 3.5Protein 20.2Fat 49.1Carbs Table Talk Pies, Inc. Pumpkin Pie Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 325kcal 3.5Protein 16.7Fat 43.0Carbs Table Talk Pies, Inc. Chocolate Eclair Pie Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving 377kcal 3.5Protein 20.2Fat 49.1Carbs Tasty Baking Company Tastykake, Mini Cupcakes With Hershey's Cocoa Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 349kcal 2.3Protein 13.9Fat 60.5Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.