Ingredient · E211

Retains Product Freshness

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Sodium benzoate is added to foods and beverages to prevent spoilage from bacteria, yeast, …

What it is

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, a chemical that occurs naturally in some fruits and spices. It is typically made by reacting toluene with chlorine and then neutralizing the resulting product with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide. It is commonly used as a preservative in food and drinks.

Why it's used

Sodium benzoate is added to foods and beverages to prevent spoilage from bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is effective in acidic conditions, which is why it is often found in items like ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, and other acidic sauces and condiments.

Health notes

In the US, sodium benzoate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a preservative. It has been evaluated by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Some studies have explored its potential effects on hyperactivity in children, with mixed results and no definitive conclusions. When consumed in typical amounts found in food, it is considered safe.

Allergen info

Sodium benzoate is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Retains Product Freshness

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Columbus Manufacturing, Inc. Dijon Mustard, Dijon Mustard Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 200kcal 0Protein 0Fat 20Carbs United Natural Foods, Inc. Asian Gourmet, Chinese Barbecue Sauce Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces High in sodium — 34% DV per serving 143kcal 5.7Protein 0Fat 31.4Carbs United Natural Foods, Inc. Asian Gourmet, Spicy Szechuan Sauce Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces High in sodium — 25% DV per serving 147kcal 5.9Protein 2.9Fat 29.4Carbs United Natural Foods, Inc. Asian Gourmet, Chinese Plum Sauce Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 189kcal 0Protein 0Fat 43.2Carbs United Natural Foods, Inc. Asian Gourmet, Chinese Mustard, Extra Hot, Extra Hot Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 167kcal 0Protein 0Fat 16.7Carbs Beaverton Foods, Inc. Grated Horseradish Roots, Deli Mustard Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 200kcal 0Protein 10Fat 20Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Ahold, Deviled Egg Potato Salad Deli Salads High in sodium — 28% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 50% DV per serving 164kcal 4.3Protein 10Fat 16.4Carbs Creamy Style Horseradish Beaverton Foods, Inc. Creamy Style Horseradish Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 200kcal 0Protein 10Fat 20Carbs Beaverton Foods, Inc. Sweet Hot Mustard With Honey Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 200kcal 0Protein 0Fat 40Carbs Beaverton Foods, Inc. Extra Hot Sriracha Mustard Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 200kcal 0Protein 0Fat 20Carbs Beaver Brand, Chinese Mustard, Extra Hot, Extra Hot Beaverton Foods, Inc. Beaver Brand, Chinese Mustard, Extra Hot, Extra Hot Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 200kcal 0Protein 10Fat 20Carbs Zesty Deli Horseradish Sauce Beaverton Foods, Inc. Zesty Deli Horseradish Sauce Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 464kcal 0Protein 42.9Fat 10.7Carbs
Water (114 products) Salt (111 products) Calcium Disodium EDTA (111 products) Sugar (110 products) Citric Acid (109 products) Spices (99 products) Soybean Oil (94 products) Xanthan Gum (93 products) Garlic (87 products) Mustard Seed (85 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.