E262 Sodium acetate

E262PreservativesOrigin: Lab-made

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The short answer

Sodium acetate (E262) is a vinegar-based salt that keeps packaged meat and snacks fresh and adds a sharp, salty tang. It's safe, vegan and gluten-free.

88/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE262

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesPreservatives

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledSodium ethanoate, E262(i)

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved as a preservative and flavor in the US, EU and Canada. Sodium diacetate, the form that also contains acetic acid, is labeled E262(ii).

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Sodium acetate gives food the sourness of vinegar without any liquid. It slightly lowers the pH of the food, which slows mold and bacteria, and it carries the sour note that many salt-and-vinegar snacks depend on.

Where it comes from: It is the sodium salt of acetic acid, the sour part of vinegar. Manufacturers make the acid chemically and neutralize it with sodium.

Why it’s in food

Adds a vinegar tang without liquid
Slows bacteria in cured and packaged meat
Keeps seasoning dust stuck to snacks
Acts as a buffer in some processed foods

Often found in

Salt and vinegar crispsPackaged deli meatSeasoning blendsPopcorn coatingsSavory snack mixes

Also listed as: Sodium ethanoate, E262(i), E262

Health & gut impact

SodiumUnder study

It contains sodium, so it adds to the total salt in the food. The amounts used are small, but they count for people on a low-sodium diet.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2017)

What can I use instead?

Vinegar powder

Ratio: 1 tsp per 1 tsp sodium acetate

Best for: Snack seasoning dust

More preservatives:

Benzoic acid E210Benzoic 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 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 moderation Calcium 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 moderation Calcium sorbate E203Calcium sorbate (E203) is a salt of sorbic acid that stops mold and yeast from growing in bread, cheese and wine. It's a synthetic, vegan and gluten-free preservative with a long safety record.Generally safe

Common questions

Is sodium acetate the same as vinegar?

Not quite. It is the salt of acetic acid, the sour part of vinegar, so it gives a similar taste with no liquid.

Does E262 mean sodium diacetate?

Sometimes. E262(i) is sodium acetate and E262(ii) is sodium diacetate, which also contains acetic acid.

Is Sodium acetate safe?

Generally safe (88/100). Approved as a preservative and flavor in the US, EU and Canada. Sodium diacetate, the form that also contains acetic acid, is labeled E262(ii).

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

EFSA OpenFoodTox: E262
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2017)

INS 262 · CAS 127-09-3