Ingredient · E202

Potassium Sorbate And Sodium Hexametaphosphate

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Potassium sorbate is primarily used as a preservative to inhibit the growth of mold, …

What it is

Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. It is a synthetic compound often used as a food preservative. Sodium hexametaphosphate is a type of polyphosphate salt, also synthetically produced, and is used in food processing.

Why it's used

Potassium sorbate is primarily used as a preservative to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in foods like cheeses, baked goods, and dried fruits. Sodium hexametaphosphate is used as a sequestrant, emulsifier, and texturizer in products such as dairy products, beverages, and processed meats.

Health notes

Potassium sorbate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is metabolized by the body similarly to other fatty acids. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated potassium sorbate and set acceptable daily intakes. Sodium hexametaphosphate is also GRAS by the FDA. It is used as a sequestrant, which means it can bind to metal ions. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated it and did not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified).

Allergen info

Neither potassium sorbate nor sodium hexametaphosphate are derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. They do not contain gluten.

Products containing Potassium Sorbate And Sodium Hexametaphosphate

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Mott's LLP Hawaiian Punch, Aloha Morning, Juice Drink, Orange Citrus, Orange Citrus Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 25kcal 0Protein 0Fat 5.4Carbs Mott's LLP Aloha Morning Juice, Strawberry Citrus Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 25kcal 0Protein 0Fat 5.4Carbs Mott's LLP Juice Drink, Fruit Juicy Red Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 23kcal 0Protein 0Fat 6.2Carbs Mott's LLP Hawaiian Punch, Aloha Morning, Juice Drink, Mixed Berry Citrus, Mixed Berry Citrus Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 25kcal 0Protein 0Fat 5.4Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Punch Juice Drink, Berry Lemonade Soda 25kcal 0Protein 0Fat 6.2Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Juice Drink, Fruit Punch Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 29kcal 0Protein 0Fat 7.1Carbs

Mott's LLP Flavored Juice Drink, Lemon Berry Squeeze Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 25kcal 0Protein 0Fat 6.2Carbs

Mott's LLP Natural & Artificial Orange Flavored Juice Drink, Orange Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 25kcal 0Protein 0Fat 5.8Carbs

Mott's LLP Flavored Juice Drink, Berry Limeade Blast Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 25kcal 0Protein 0Fat 5.8Carbs Mott's LLP Natural & Artificial Mixed Juice Drink, Berry Blue Typhoon Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 25kcal 0Protein 0Fat 6.2Carbs

Mott's LLP Polar Blast Juice Drink, Citrus Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 25kcal 0Protein 0Fat 6.2Carbs

Family Dollar Stores Inc. Tropical Blue Wave Juice Drink, Tropical Blue Wave Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks High in added sugars — 26% DV per serving 25kcal —Protein 0Fat 6.2Carbs

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.