Preservative

Sodium Benzoate

E number: E211
Type: Food-grade antimicrobial preservative
Activity: Inhibits mould, yeast and bacteria

Sodium Benzoate (E211) is a food-grade preservative used to inhibit mould, yeast and bacteria across beverages, jams, sauces, snacks and dairy, and in personal care products. It is a safe, non-toxic antimicrobial agent with high purity and proven safety for human consumption, and it is one of the most widely deployed preservatives in the drinks industry because it works well in the acidic pH range that soft drinks and juices sit in.

Why buyers specify this grade

Broad activity against mould, yeast and bacteria in one preservative
High purity with proven safety for human consumption
Works across beverages, spreads, sauces, snacks and dairy without reformulating each time
Also approved for cosmetics and personal care, so one material covers two product lines

Get a price for Sodium Benzoate Email enquiry

Send the quantity and destination port and you get the grade recommendation, the analytical specification, the packing format and the container loading in one reply.

Specification

Grade	Food grade
Purity	High purity
Function	Antimicrobial preservative

Technical data

E number: E211
Type: Food-grade antimicrobial preservative
Activity: Inhibits mould, yeast and bacteria

Quality control

Supplied as a food-grade preservative with high purity
TDS and MSDS issued with the order, sample COA on request

Where it is used

Soft drinks, juices and other beverages
Jams and jellies and other fruit-based spreads
Sauces, dressings and condiments
Pre-packaged snacks and processed foods
Dairy products including milk, yogurt and cheese
Cosmetics and personal care products

Who buys it

Soft drink and juice bottlers
Jam, sauce and condiment manufacturers
Snack and packaged food producers
Cosmetic and personal care formulators

Problems it solves

Microbial spoilage shortening the shelf life of an acidic beverage
Mould appearing in an opened jam or sauce during consumer use
Needing one preservative validated across a mixed product portfolio
Preservative cost in high-volume beverage production

Packing and options

Packing format confirmed at quotation
Food or cosmetic application confirmed at enquiry so the right documentation is issued

How it compares

Sodium benzoate is most effective in acidic products, which is why beverages and jams use it. Potassium sorbate is the one to reach for in dairy and higher-pH products; benzoic acid itself is the option where an undissociated acid form or a specific particle grade is needed.

Handling and storage

Use in products on the acid side of the pH range where benzoate activity is strongest
Dissolve fully in the water phase before blending
Store dry and sealed away from heat and moisture

FAQ

Sodium Benzoate questions buyers ask

What is sodium benzoate used for

It is a food-grade preservative that inhibits the growth of mould, yeast and bacteria, extending shelf life in beverages, jams, sauces, snacks, dairy and personal care products.

Is it safe for food use

It is a safe, non-toxic antimicrobial agent with high purity and proven safety for human consumption, also known as E211.

Which beverages use it

Soft drinks, juices and other beverages, where it prevents the growth of harmful microorganisms.

Can it be used in cosmetics

Yes, it is used in personal care products to prolong shelf life and ensure safety.

How does it compare with potassium sorbate

Sodium benzoate is strongest in acidic products such as soft drinks and jams, while potassium sorbate suits the higher pH of dairy products.

Can you send a COA before ordering

Yes, TDS and MSDS are sent by email and a sample COA is available on request.

Download TDS, MSDS and sample COA