Ingredient · E211

The Following: Sodium Benzoate

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, …

What it is

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid. It is typically made by reacting sodium hydroxide with benzoic acid. Benzoic acid can be found naturally in small amounts in fruits like cranberries and apples, but is usually produced synthetically for food use.

Why it's used

Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria. It is most effective in acidic foods. You can find it in acidic foods like salad dressings, carbonated drinks, jams, and pickles.

Health notes

In the U.S., sodium benzoate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food preservative. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated sodium benzoate. Some studies have explored potential links between sodium benzoate and hyperactivity in children, particularly when combined with artificial colors, but the evidence is mixed and not conclusive. When consumed within typical food limits, it is not considered harmful.

Allergen info

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

Products containing The Following: Sodium Benzoate

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Stino Da Napoli Lemon Gourmet Salad Dressing, Lemon Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 571kcal 0Protein 64.3Fat 3.6Carbs Old Fashion Claxton Fruit Cake, Old Fashion Claxton Bakery Inc Old Fashion Claxton Fruit Cake, Old Fashion Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in added sugars — 20% DV per serving 372kcal 4.7Protein 11.6Fat 62.8Carbs Original Flavor Authentic Japanese Udon Noodles JFC International Inc. Original Flavor Authentic Japanese Udon Noodles All Noodles High in sodium — 74% DV per serving 141kcal 4.9Protein 0Fat 28.8Carbs Mushroom Flavor Authentic Japanese Udon Noodles, Mushroom JFC International Inc. Mushroom Flavor Authentic Japanese Udon Noodles, Mushroom All Noodles High in sodium — 66% DV per serving 141kcal 4.9Protein 0Fat 28.8Carbs Old Fashion Fruit Cake, Old Fashion Claxton Bakery Inc Old Fashion Fruit Cake, Old Fashion Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 349kcal 4.7Protein 10.5Fat 62.8Carbs Claxton Bakery Inc Regular Fruit Cake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 349kcal 4.7Protein 10.5Fat 62.8Carbs
Salt (6 products) Sugar (5 products) Folic Acid (5 products) Niacin (5 products) Malic Acid (5 products) Water (5 products) Riboflavin (5 products) Red 40 (3 products) High Fructose Corn Syrup (3 products) Enriched Wheat Flour (3 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.