Ingredient · E202, E282

Potassium Sorbate & Calcium Propionate

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
These compounds are used as preservatives to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and …

What is Potassium Sorbate & Calcium Propionate?

Potassium sorbate and calcium propionate are salts of sorbic acid and propionic acid, respectively. Sorbic acid is found naturally in some fruits, while propionic acid is found in dairy products and also produced by bacteria. Both are produced industrially for use as food additives.

Is Potassium Sorbate & Calcium Propionate vegan?

Potassium Sorbate & Calcium Propionate is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Potassium Sorbate & Calcium Propionate gluten-free?

They do not contain gluten.

Is Potassium Sorbate & Calcium Propionate a major allergen?

Not a major allergen.

What is Potassium Sorbate & Calcium Propionate used for?

These compounds are used as preservatives to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria in foods.

Is Potassium Sorbate & Calcium Propionate safe?

In the US, both potassium sorbate and calcium propionate are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used according to good manufacturing practices.

Why it's used

These compounds are used as preservatives to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria in foods. They are commonly found in baked goods like bread, cakes, and pastries, as well as in cheeses, dried fruits, and some beverages.

Health notes

In the US, both potassium sorbate and calcium propionate are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used according to good manufacturing practices. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have also evaluated these substances. While generally considered safe, some individuals may experience mild reactions like skin rashes or digestive upset, though this is uncommon at typical consumption levels.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen. Neither potassium sorbate nor calcium propionate are derived from the nine FDA major allergens (milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, sesame). They do not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Potassium Sorbate & Calcium Propionate

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General Mills, Inc. Mini Cinnamon Rolls Frozen Bread & Dough High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 356kcal 3.3Protein 13.3Fat 53.3Carbs General Mills, Inc. Mini Cinnamon Rolls Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 356kcal 3.3Protein 13.3Fat 53.3Carbs Oceanside Knish Factory Vegetables In Pastry, Spinach Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 186kcal 6.2Protein 4.4Fat 30.1Carbs Safeway, Inc. Shredded Beef Enchilada Corn Tortilla With Shredded Beef And Refried Beans Topped With Enchildada Sauce And Cheese, With Mexican-Style Rice, Shredded Beef Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 37% DV per serving 118kcal 4.7Protein 3.9Fat 16.1Carbs Glencourt Inc. Chicken Enchilada Corn Tortilla Stuffed With White Meat Chicken, Onions And Green Chiles With Rice And Sprinkled With Cheese, Chicken Enchilada Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 36% DV per serving 110kcal 6.3Protein 3.1Fat 14.1Carbs Bon Appetit Danish Co. Cheese Croissant, Cheese Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 352kcal 5.6Protein 21.1Fat 36.6Carbs Bon Appetit Danish Co. Bear Claw Cst Danish Tray Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries 9600kcal 160Protein 520Fat 1080Carbs Northern Tier Bakery LLC Green Chili White Meat Chicken Burrito With Monterey Jack & Cheddar Cheese, Green Chili White Meat Chicken With Monterey Jack & Cheddar Cheese Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 54% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 203kcal 9.2Protein 8.4Fat 22.0Carbs Northern Tier Bakery LLC Mini Donuts Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 64% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 27% DV per serving 442kcal 5.3Protein 23.9Fat 49.6Carbs Northern Tier Bakery LLC Banana Walnut Flavored Muffin, Banana Walnut Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving High in added sugars — 82% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 33% DV per serving 429kcal 5.1Protein 24.4Fat 47.4Carbs

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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.