Ingredient · E200, E202

Sorbic Acid And Potassium Sorbate

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Sorbic acid and its salts are used as preservatives to inhibit the growth of …

What it is

Sorbic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound. It is often produced industrially through chemical synthesis, typically from ketene and acetic acid. Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, made by reacting sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide.

Why it's used

Sorbic acid and its salts are used as preservatives to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria. They are effective in a wide range of foods, including baked goods, dairy products, dried fruits, and beverages, helping to extend shelf life.

Health notes

Sorbic acid and potassium sorbate are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated these substances and established acceptable daily intakes. While generally considered safe at typical consumption levels, some individuals may experience mild skin reactions or digestive upset.

Allergen info

Sorbic acid and potassium sorbate are not derived from any of the FDA's major allergens. They do not contain gluten.

Products containing Sorbic Acid And Potassium Sorbate

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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 HOSTESS Frosted Chocolate Cupcakes With Creamy Filling, Frosted Chocolate Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 76% DV per serving 367kcal 2.2Protein 13.3Fat 63.3Carbs HOSTESS Lemonade Stand Golden Sponge Cake With Lemon Creamy Filling, Lemonade Stand Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in added sugars — 62% DV per serving 364kcal 2.6Protein 11.7Fat 61.0Carbs Tasty Baking Company Tastykake, Pudding Pie, Chocolate, Chocolate Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 336kcal 4.4Protein 16.8Fat 42.5Carbs Frosted Orange Flavored Cake With Creamy Filling Cupcakes, Frosted Orange Hostess Brands, LLC Frosted Orange Flavored Cake With Creamy Filling Cupcakes, Frosted Orange Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in added sugars — 46% DV per serving 375kcal 2.1Protein 12.5Fat 66.7Carbs Frosted Donuts, Frosted McKee Foods Corporation Frosted Donuts, Frosted Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 70% DV per serving 467kcal 4.4Protein 26.7Fat 52.2Carbs Glazed Donuts, Glazed McKee Foods Corporation Glazed Donuts, Glazed Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 402kcal 4.6Protein 17.2Fat 58.6Carbs 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 Orange Mini Donuts, Orange Tasty Baking Company Orange Mini Donuts, Orange Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 456kcal 3.5Protein 24.6Fat 405Carbs Tasty Baking Company Kandy Bar Kakes, Peanut Butter Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 479kcal 6.2Protein 25Fat 54.2Carbs The Kroger Co. Bakery Fresh Goodness, No Sugar Added Pie, Cherry, Cherry Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving 283kcal 1.9Protein 14.2Fat 45.3Carbs Hammond's Candies Since 1920, LLC Hammond's, Dark Chocolate Bar, Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin Spice Chocolate High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving 500kcal 6.2Protein 29.7Fat 50Carbs

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.