Comparison
Potassium Sorbate vs Sodium Benzoate
The short answer
Potassium sorbate is the milder choice: it has a higher safe daily limit and no benzene issue. Sodium benzoate works best in very acidic drinks and sauces, but with vitamin C it can form traces of benzene.| Side by side | Potassium Sorbate | Sodium Benzoate |
|---|---|---|
| Safety score | 86/100 Generally safe | 62/100 Use in moderation |
| Best for | Cheese, wine, baked goods, dried fruit | Soda, pickles, sauces, juices |
| Stops | Mostly molds and yeasts | Yeasts and some bacteria |
| Works up to | About pH 6.5 ✓ Better | About pH 4.5 (acidic foods only) |
| Benzene risk with vitamin C | None ✓ Better | Small, under limits in most drinks |
| Safe daily limit (EFSA) | 11 mg per kg ✓ Better | 5 mg per kg |
| Safety score | 86 ✓ Better | 62 |
Swapping one for the other
Many drink makers now pair potassium sorbate with citric acid instead of using sodium benzoate. When shopping, products with neither are usually refrigerated or pasteurized.
Common questions
Why do some drinks contain both?
Together they cover more microbes at lower doses of each, so makers often use a little of both.