Ingredient · E202

Preservatives Potassium Sorbate

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Potassium sorbate is a preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and …

What it is

Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. It is a synthetic compound, though sorbic acid occurs naturally in some plants. It is manufactured from sorbic acid, which is produced from chemicals derived from petroleum or natural gas.

Why it's used

Potassium sorbate is a preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in foods. This helps extend the shelf life of products. It is commonly found in baked goods, dairy products, dried fruits, and beverages.

Health notes

Potassium sorbate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a food preservative. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have also evaluated potassium sorbate and established acceptable daily intakes. While generally considered safe, some individuals may experience mild allergic reactions or sensitivities, though this is rare.

Allergen info

Potassium sorbate is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Preservatives Potassium Sorbate

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LAIMA Laima, Quality Assortment Laima Chocolate High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 475kcal 2.5Protein 22.5Fat 57.5Carbs WENSLEYDALE CREAMERY Wensleydale Creamery, Wensleydale Fruit Cake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 344kcal 4Protein 11.2Fat 60Carbs FESTOSO Panettone Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 352kcal 5.5Protein 13.2Fat 53.9Carbs Sour Cherry Drink, Sour Cherry EPSA Sour Cherry Drink, Sour Cherry Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks High in added sugars — 52% DV per serving 60kcal —Protein —Fat 14.7Carbs LKS Mr.Croissant With Cocoa Cream Filling, Cocoa Cream Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 422kcal 4.4Protein 22.2Fat 46.7Carbs Cousin Vinny's Cheesecake Forno D'Angelo, Softcake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 406kcal 6.2Protein 18.8Fat 53.1Carbs MSRF, Inc. Grill Master, Sauce, Basting Brush & Pint Glass Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 103kcal 0Protein 0Fat 26.5Carbs Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc. Entenmann's, Cinnamon Buns Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 394kcal 5.6Protein 14.1Fat 57.8Carbs F.Lli Sacla' Spa Sacla', Basil Pesto Prepared Pasta & Pizza Sauces High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 183kcal 3.3Protein 16.7Fat 6.7Carbs Squeeze A Little Chili Pesto F.Lli Sacla' Spa Squeeze A Little Chili Pesto Prepared Pasta & Pizza Sauces 133kcal 1.7Protein 10Fat 8.3Carbs Target Stores White Petite Bundt Cakes, White Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in added sugars — 32% DV per serving 395kcal 2.3Protein 18.6Fat 55.8Carbs GS1 Mexico Hazelnut Irish Cream Non-Alcoholic Chocolate Truffles, Hazelnut Irish Cream Chocolate High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 533kcal 6.7Protein 33.3Fat 50Carbs

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.