E211 Sodium Benzoate

E211PreservativesOrigin: Lab-made

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The short answer

Sodium benzoate (E211) is a common preservative in soda and sauces. It's safe at normal amounts, but it can form small amounts of benzene when mixed with vitamin C.

62/100

Use in moderation

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

E-numberE211

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesPreservatives

Glycemic index—

Daily limit5 mg/kg

Also calledSodium benzoate, Benzoate of soda

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaNo extra rules

GRAS in the US up to 0.1% of a food. EFSA set a group limit of 5 mg per kg of body weight in 2016.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

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?

Sodium benzoate stops mold and yeast from growing in acidic foods. Benzoic acid also occurs naturally in cranberries and cinnamon.

Where it comes from: Made by neutralizing benzoic acid (produced from petroleum-based toluene) with sodium hydroxide.

Why it’s in food

Stops mold in soft drinks and juice
Preserves pickles and sauces
Extends shelf life of salad dressings

Often found in

Soft drinksPicklesSalad dressingsFruit juiceCondiments

Also listed as: Sodium benzoate, Benzoate of soda, Benzoic acid sodium salt

Health & gut impact

Benzene formationUnder study

With vitamin C, heat and light, it can form trace benzene. The FDA found most drinks below safe limits.

FDA Benzene Survey (2007)

HyperactivityUnder study

Included with dyes in the Southampton hyperactivity study.

McCann et al., The Lancet (2007)

What can I use instead?

Refrigeration

Ratio: N/A

Best for: Homemade sauces

Vinegar

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Pickles

More preservatives:

Sodium Nitrite E250Sodium nitrite (E250) keeps bacon pink and prevents botulism, but forms cancer-linked compounds when cooked at high heat. "Uncured" meat usually has nitrite from celery instead.Best to avoid

Common questions

Is Sodium Benzoate safe?

Use in moderation (62/100). GRAS in the US up to 0.1% of a food. EFSA set a group limit of 5 mg per kg of body weight in 2016.

Is Sodium Benzoate vegan?

Yes.

Is Sodium Benzoate gluten-free?