Ingredient · E202

Potassium Sorbate

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add potassium sorbate primarily as a preservative to prevent the growth of mold, …

What it is

Potassium sorbate is a potassium salt of sorbic acid. While sorbic acid is found naturally in some fruits, the potassium sorbate used in food is typically produced synthetically. It appears as a white, crystalline powder.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add potassium sorbate primarily as a preservative to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria. This helps to extend the shelf life of various foods and beverages. It is commonly found in cheese, baked goods, yogurt, wine, and fruit products.

Health notes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers potassium sorbate to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in food. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated potassium sorbate and established an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated it and concluded it is safe for use as a food additive. At typical intake levels, it is generally considered safe, though some individuals may experience mild allergic reactions like skin irritation, which is rare.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing Potassium Sorbate

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LA CHOY Soy Sauce, 5 FL OZ Conagra Brands LA CHOY Soy Sauce, 5 FL OZ —kcal 8.3Protein 0Fat 8.3Carbs GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. Totinos Pizza Sticks Pepperoni Pies/Pastries/Pizzas/Quiches - Savoury (Frozen) 241kcal 8.6Protein 10.3Fat 29.3Carbs GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. Totinos Party Pizza Crsp Crst Pizza Supreme Pies/Pastries/Pizzas/Quiches - Savoury (Frozen) High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 219kcal 7.1Protein 11.0Fat 24.5Carbs TWO-BITE Two-Bite, Carrot Cake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 408kcal 2.8Protein 22.5Fat 47.9Carbs Flavor Delite Inc. Weis, Grated Romano Cheese Cheese 400kcal 40Protein 30Fat 0Carbs WEIS Weis, Fudge Ice Brownie With Walnuts Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 429kcal 4.8Protein 16.7Fat 66.7Carbs COCO LOPEZ Coco Lopez, Pina Colada Mix With Real Cream Of Coconut Alcohol 146kcal 0Protein 3.9Fat 28.1Carbs OCEAN SPRAY Ocean Spray, Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese With Cranberries Cheese High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 393kcal 17.9Protein 28.6Fat 14.3Carbs WENSLEYDALE CREAMERY Wensleydale Creamery, Real Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese With Apricots Cheese High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 357kcal 17.9Protein 25Fat 17.9Carbs ENTENMANN'S Entenmann's, Cake, Louisiana Crunch Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 394kcal 2.8Protein 16.9Fat 60.6Carbs Calahua, Cream Of Coconut CALAHUA Calahua, Cream Of Coconut Baking Additives & Extracts 212kcal 0.6Protein 4.7Fat 42.1Carbs CAKE MATE Cake Mate, Green Icing Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 417kcal 0Protein 16.7Fat 83.3Carbs

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.