Ingredient · E223

Sodium Metabisulfite Added

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Sodium metabisulfite is used as a preservative and antioxidant in many foods. It helps …

What it is

Sodium metabisulfite is a white or slightly yellowish crystalline powder. It is a salt made from sodium, sulfur dioxide, and oxygen. It is often produced by reacting sulfur dioxide with a solution of sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide.

Why it's used

Sodium metabisulfite is used as a preservative and antioxidant in many foods. It helps prevent spoilage by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi, and it can also prevent browning in dried fruits and vegetables. It is commonly found in dried fruits, processed potatoes, wine, and some baked goods.

Health notes

In the U.S., sodium metabisulfite is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used according to good manufacturing practices. It can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with asthma. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated sodium metabisulfite, and both have established acceptable daily intakes. Some studies suggest a link between sulfite sensitivity and asthma symptoms, but evidence is mixed.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing Sodium Metabisulfite Added

Compare products →
Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories
Sunrise Natural Foods Coconut Flakes Sweetened Baking Additives & Extracts High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 464kcal 3.6Protein 25Fat 60.7Carbs Dried Mangos Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Dried Mangos Wholesome Snacks High in added sugars — 42% DV per serving 350kcal 2.5Protein 0Fat 85Carbs Hanover Foods Corporation Hanover, Superfine, Whole Onions Canned Vegetables 23kcal 0.8Protein 0Fat 5.4Carbs Daily Chef, Dried Philippine Mangos Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Daily Chef, Dried Philippine Mangos Wholesome Snacks 333kcal 2.6Protein 0Fat 79.5Carbs Cherrydale Farms, Inc. Peppermint Bark, Crunched Peppermint, Creamy Vanilla, & Luscious Dark Chocolate Candy High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 500kcal 5.3Protein 28.9Fat 65.8Carbs Mango Mariani Packing Company Mango Wholesome Snacks High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 350kcal 0Protein 0Fat 85Carbs Tropical Pineapple Mariani Packing Company Tropical Pineapple Wholesome Snacks High in added sugars — 36% DV per serving 375kcal 0Protein 0Fat 92.5Carbs CVS Pharmacy, Inc. Dried Philippine Mangoes Wholesome Snacks 325kcal 2.5Protein 0Fat 80Carbs Spicy Strawberry With 100% Mexican Spices, Spicy Strawberry Chuza Inc Spicy Strawberry With 100% Mexican Spices, Spicy Strawberry Other Snacks High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 317kcal 3.3Protein 0Fat 80Carbs Eddyleon Chocolate Co Inc Almond Coconut Clusters Milk Chocolate, Almond Coconut Clusters Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 500kcal 6.2Protein 31.2Fat 53.1Carbs Philippine Mango Mariani Packing Company Philippine Mango Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables High in added sugars — 42% DV per serving 350kcal 2.5Protein 0Fat 85Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Sweetened Dried Mango, Sweetened Wholesome Snacks High in added sugars — 20% DV per serving 325kcal 2.5Protein 0Fat 80Carbs
Sugar (15 products) Corn Starch (5 products) Citric Acid (5 products) Mangoes (4 products) Water (3 products) Powdered Sugar (3 products) Salt (3 products) Cocoa Butter (2 products) Soy Lecithin An Emulsifier (2 products) And Powdered Sugar (2 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.