Ingredient · E281

Preserved With Sodium Propionate

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Sodium propionate is added to foods to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, …

What it is

Sodium propionate is a salt that occurs naturally in some foods, like cheese. It is typically made by combining propionic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is commonly used as a preservative in baked goods.

Why it's used

Sodium propionate is added to foods to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, extending shelf life. It is most often found in cakes, cupcakes, snack cakes, croissants, sweet rolls, muffins, and other pastries, as well as some frozen desserts.

Health notes

In the U.S., sodium propionate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food preservative. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated it. Studies on animals have shown that very high doses can affect growth and behavior, but these levels are far higher than what people typically consume from food. Evidence does not suggest adverse effects at normal dietary intake levels.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Preserved With Sodium Propionate

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Swiss Rolls BAKER'S TREAT Swiss Rolls Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in added sugars — 38% DV per serving 393kcal 1.6Protein 14.8Fat 63.9Carbs TASTYKAKE Orange Creme Filled Sponge Cakes With Krimpets, Orange Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 403kcal 3.0Protein 13.4Fat 65.7Carbs Tasty Baking Company Tastykake, Koffee Kake Junior, Crumb Topped Yellow Cake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 394kcal 4.2Protein 14.1Fat 62.0Carbs Tasty Baking Company Krimpies, Vanilla Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 409kcal 3.0Protein 16.7Fat 62.1Carbs Creme Filled Swiss Rolls Snack Cakes, Creme Filled Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Creme Filled Swiss Rolls Snack Cakes, Creme Filled Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in added sugars — 38% DV per serving 393kcal 1.6Protein 14.8Fat 63.9Carbs Tasty Baking Company Mini Donuts , Blueberry Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 456kcal 3.5Protein 24.6Fat 54.4Carbs Tasty Baking Company Mini Donuts, Gingerbread Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 456kcal 3.5Protein 26.3Fat 52.6Carbs Tasty Baking Company Tastykake, Mini Donuts, Strawberry, Strawberry Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 439kcal 3.5Protein 22.8Fat 54.4Carbs Flowers Foods, Inc. Mini Donuts, Cinnamon Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 446kcal 5.4Protein 26.8Fat 50Carbs Flowers Foods, Inc. Frosted Donuts, Frosted Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 442kcal 5.8Protein 23.1Fat 53.9Carbs Tasty Baking Company Tastykake, Mini Donuts, Caramel Apple, Caramel Apple Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 385kcal 4.2Protein 14.6Fat 61.5Carbs Tasty Baking Company Minis Krumb Topped Muffins, Blueberry Kruffins Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries 149kcal 1.0Protein 6.9Fat 19.8Carbs
Reduced Iron (81 products) Thiamine Mononitrate (81 products) Riboflavin (81 products) Folic Acid (81 products) Niacin (80 products) Soy Lecithin (80 products) Sugar (80 products) Salt (79 products) Baking Soda (79 products) Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (79 products)

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.