Ingredient · E211

Sodium Benzonate

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Sodium benzoate is primarily used as a preservative in acidic foods and beverages. It …

What it is

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid. It is produced when benzoic acid is neutralized with sodium hydroxide. Benzoic acid occurs naturally in many plants, such as cranberries and plums, but sodium benzoate is typically manufactured synthetically for food use.

Why it's used

Sodium benzoate is primarily used as a preservative in acidic foods and beverages. It works by inhibiting the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria, which helps extend the shelf life of products. It is commonly found in soft drinks, fruit juices, pickles, jams, and salad dressings.

Health notes

In the United States, sodium benzoate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used according to good manufacturing practices. It has been evaluated by international bodies like JECFA and EFSA. Some studies have explored potential links between sodium benzoate and hyperactivity in children, particularly when combined with artificial food colorings, but the evidence is mixed and not conclusive.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Sodium Benzonate

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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 WIT Group Black Bear Beverages, Flavored Soda, Juicy Orange, Juicy Orange Soda 20kcal 0Protein 0Fat 5.1Carbs The Kroger Co. Bakery Fresh Goodness, Loaf Cake, Apple Cinnamon, Apple Cinnamon Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 378kcal 4.4Protein 17.8Fat 51.1Carbs The Kroger Co. 100% Juice, Lemon Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Champion Foods, LLC Chocolate Cherry With Vanilla Flavored Icing Packet Scones, Chocolate Cherry With Vanilla Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 373kcal 5.9Protein 17.6Fat 49.0Carbs St. Moritz Bakery Inc. Poppyseed Strudel Roll Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries 351kcal 7.0Protein 12.3Fat 56.1Carbs Harmons Inc Harmons, Caramel Popcorn Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 467kcal 3.3Protein 26.7Fat 80Carbs Krinos Foods Inc. Mediterranean Olive Bistro Mix, Mediterranean Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 200kcal 0Protein 20Fat 0Carbs Jo-Lee Food Products, Inc. Sour Watermelon Slices, Sour Candy High in added sugars — 38% DV per serving 333kcal 0Protein 0Fat 83.3Carbs Palama Holdings LLC Kalbi Beef Short Ribs, Kalbi Other Frozen Meats High in sodium — 34% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 170kcal 16.1Protein 8.0Fat 8.0Carbs Shirley's Cookie Company Cinnamon Roll With Cream Cheese Flavored Whoopie Pies, Cinnamon Roll With Cream Cheese Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in added sugars — 96% DV per serving 389kcal 2.6Protein 17.7Fat 57.5Carbs Krier Foods, Inc. Jolly Good, Not A Descriptive Item, Cherry, Cherry Soda 54kcal 0Protein 0Fat 13.0Carbs

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.