My diet:

E210 Benzoic acid

E210PreservativesOrigin: Lab-made
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The short answer
Benzoic acid (E210) is the parent of sodium benzoate. It keeps acidic foods from molding. It is allowed within a daily limit, and in soft drinks with vitamin C it can form a little benzene.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE210
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesPreservatives
Glycemic index—
Daily limit5 mg/kg
Also calledBenzoic acid, Benzene carboxylic acid

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Benzoic acid and its salts (such as sodium benzoate) share a daily limit of 5 mg per kg of body weight. It is GRAS in the US and limited to certain acidic foods in the EU and Canada. In drinks that also contain ascorbic acid, a small amount can turn into benzene.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

350 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 5 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 100 mg a day.

What is it?

Benzoic acid only works well in acidic foods, which is why it shows up in soda, pickles, dressings and fruit fillings rather than in bread. Sodium benzoate is simply this acid neutralized so it dissolves faster.

Where it comes from: Food benzoic acid is made from toluene, a petroleum chemical. The same acid occurs naturally in cranberries, cinnamon and cloves.

Why it’s in food

  • Preserves soft drinks
  • Protects pickles
  • Preserves fruit fillings
  • Slows yeast in dressings

Often found in

Soft drinksPicklesSalad dressingFruit fillingSoy sauceJams

Also listed as: Benzoic acid, Benzene carboxylic acid

Health & gut impact

BenzeneUnder study

Benzoic acid plus ascorbic acid in a drink can form benzene, especially in heat and light. The industry reformulated many drinks after this was found.

FDA data on benzene in soft drinks (2006)

SensitivityUnder study

A subset of people with asthma or hives, often those who react to aspirin, also react to benzoates.

EFSA re-evaluation of benzoic acid (2016)

What can I use instead?

Potassium sorbate

Ratio: As the recipe allows

Best for: Acidic foods and cheese

Refrigeration

Ratio: Skip the preservative

Best for: Short shelf life

Related

More preservatives:

Calcium disodium EDTA (EDTA) E385Calcium disodium EDTA (E385) grabs stray metals so dressings, sodas and canned beans keep their color and flavor. Very little is absorbed, and it's safe in the small amounts allowed.Use in moderationCalcium Propionate E282Calcium propionate (E282) is the mold inhibitor in most packaged bread. It's considered safe, vegan and gluten-free, though a few small studies have raised questions about behavior in children and blood sugar.Use in moderationCelery powderCelery powder is how "uncured" bacon and hot dogs are cured. It's a natural source of nitrite, the same chemical as sodium nitrite, so "no nitrites added" meats aren't nitrite-free.Use in moderationLysozyme E1105Lysozyme (E1105) is an egg-white enzyme that stops gas-forming bacteria from cracking aged cheese. It's safe for most people, but it's not vegan and can be a problem for anyone allergic to egg.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is benzoic acid the same as sodium benzoate?

Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid. In a sour drink they act as the same preservative, and they share one daily limit.

Is Benzoic acid safe?

Use in moderation (64/100). Benzoic acid and its salts (such as sodium benzoate) share a daily limit of 5 mg per kg of body weight. It is GRAS in the US and limited to certain acidic foods in the EU and Canada. In drinks that also contain ascorbic acid, a small amount can turn into benzene.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 184.1021 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E210
  • FDA data on benzene in soft drinks (2006)
  • EFSA re-evaluation of benzoic acid (2016)

INS 210 · CAS 65-85-0