Ingredient · E223

Sodium Metabisulfite Preservative

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add sodium metabisulfite to foods to prevent spoilage and maintain color. It works …

What is Sodium Metabisulfite Preservative?

Sodium metabisulfite is a white or slightly yellowish crystalline powder. It is a salt made from sulfur dioxide and sodium hydroxide. It is often used as a preservative and antioxidant in foods.

Is Sodium Metabisulfite Preservative vegan?

Sodium Metabisulfite Preservative is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Sodium Metabisulfite Preservative gluten-free?

It does not contain gluten.

Is Sodium Metabisulfite Preservative a major allergen?

Sodium metabisulfite is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens.

What is Sodium Metabisulfite Preservative used for?

Manufacturers add sodium metabisulfite to foods to prevent spoilage and maintain color.

Is Sodium Metabisulfite Preservative safe?

Sodium metabisulfite is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add sodium metabisulfite to foods to prevent spoilage and maintain color. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and molds and by preventing oxidation. It is commonly found in dried fruits, pickles, olives, and baked goods like cakes and pastries.

Health notes

Sodium metabisulfite is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. 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. While generally considered safe, some studies suggest potential sensitivities, though evidence is mixed.

Allergen info

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

Foods that contain Sodium Metabisulfite Preservative

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Dried Mangos Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Dried Mangos Wholesome Snacks High in added sugars — 20% DV per serving 350kcal 2.5Protein 0Fat 87.5Carbs Lemon Slices European Style Cakes, Lemon H L Foods Ltd Lemon Slices European Style Cakes, Lemon Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving High in added sugars — 64% DV per serving 415kcal 2.4Protein 18.3Fat 59.8Carbs FARAON Chiles Gueritos Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 17kcal 0Protein 0Fat 3.3Carbs LIL' DIPPERS Crunchy Biscuit Sticks & Chocolate Dip Crackers & Biscotti High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 480kcal 4Protein 28Fat 52Carbs FGF LLC The Original Decadent Chocolate Coconut Bar Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 436kcal 3.6Protein 21.8Fat 54.5Carbs Minnesota Best Maid Cookie Co. Magic Brownie Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 65% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 436kcal 4.3Protein 20.2Fat 62.8Carbs King's Hawaiian Bakery West Hawaiian Sweet Sliced Bread, Coconut Macadamia Nut Breads & Buns 368kcal 7.9Protein 15.8Fat 52.6Carbs Prairie City Bakery Company Jelly Roll Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 282kcal 5.9Protein 5.3Fat 54.1Carbs 7-Eleven, Inc. New York Style Cheesecake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in sodium — 24% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 150% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 86% DV per serving 349kcal 6.0Protein 23.9Fat 28.4Carbs Long Company, The/Variety Division Pineapple Coconut Creme Cake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in added sugars — 48% DV per serving 421kcal 4.0Protein 21.1Fat 55.3Carbs Gilbert Foods LLC. Taco Romaine Lettuce With Seasoned White Chicken Meat, Cilantro Lime Rice, Black Bean And Corn Salad, Pepper Jack Cheese, Tortilla Strips And Chipotle Ranch Dressing Salad, Taco Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 41% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 165kcal 6.3Protein 7.8Fat 18.0Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Coconut Triple Layer Cake, Coconut Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 393kcal 2.4Protein 17.9Fat 54.8Carbs
Preservative (28015 products) Potassium Sorbate (21407 products) Sodium Benzoate (13792 products) Sodium Nitrite (13550 products) Sodium Erythorbate (9349 products) Calcium Propionate (8459 products) Preservatives (8104 products) Sorbic Acid (7394 products)

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

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.