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E301 Sodium ascorbate (Vitamin C salt)

E301AntioxidantsOrigin: Fermented
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The short answer
Sodium ascorbate (E301) is vitamin C in salt form. It stops cut fruit and cured meat from turning brown and keeps colors bright. It's safe, vegan and gluten-free.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE301
Comes fromFermented
What it doesAntioxidants
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledSodium salt of ascorbic acid, Sodium L-ascorbate

Rules by country

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

Cleared for use in the US, EU and Canada. It is a milder, less acidic cousin of ascorbic acid (E300), often used in cured meat where a gentler acid suits the recipe.

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

What is it?

Sodium ascorbate reacts with oxygen before food spoils, so it protects color and flavor. In cured meat it also helps the curing salts work. It is the sodium half of a vitamin C pair, which makes it gentler on the stomach than plain ascorbic acid.

Where it comes from: Made by neutralizing ascorbic acid, the vitamin C molecule. The acid is usually produced from glucose through a fermentation step, then turned into this sodium salt.

Why it’s in food

  • Keeps cut apples and avocado from browning
  • Protects the pink color of cured meat
  • Slows fat oxidation in packaged foods
  • Gentler on the palate than ascorbic acid

Often found in

Cured hamBaconCut fruit packsFrozen potatoesWineBeer

Also listed as: Sodium salt of ascorbic acid, Sodium L-ascorbate, E301

Health & gut impact

Vitamin CBenefit

The body treats it the same way as the vitamin C in fruit. At food-additive levels, it adds little beyond what the diet already provides.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2016)

What can I use instead?

Ascorbic acid

Ratio: 1:1 by weight

Best for: Cut fruit and fresh juice

Related

More antioxidants:

Alpha-tocopherol (Synthetic vitamin E) E307Alpha-tocopherol (E307) is the synthetic form of vitamin E. It stops oils and fats from going rancid. It's safe, vegan and gluten-free, and it's the same molecule the body uses.Generally safeAscorbic Acid (Vitamin C) E300Ascorbic acid (E300) is plain vitamin C. It keeps food from browning and is one of the safest additives there is.Generally safeAscorbyl palmitate (Fat-soluble vitamin C) E304Ascorbyl palmitate (E304) is vitamin C joined to a fatty acid, so it can protect oils instead of water. It stops fats going rancid, and most people tolerate it well.Generally safeBHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) E320BHA (E320) is a synthetic preservative that keeps fats fresh. The US National Toxicology Program lists it as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."Best to avoid

Common questions

Is E301 the same as vitamin C?

It is a form of vitamin C. The body handles it the same way as the vitamin in fruit.

Does sodium ascorbate contain a lot of sodium?

Only a little. It is used in very small amounts, so its sodium content is minor next to the salt in the food.

Is Sodium ascorbate safe?

Generally safe (94/100). Cleared for use in the US, EU and Canada. It is a milder, less acidic cousin of ascorbic acid (E300), often used in cured meat where a gentler acid suits the recipe.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E301
  • EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2016)

INS 301 · CAS 134-03-2