Comparing E210 - Benzoic acid vs E235 - Natamycin

Overview

E210 - Benzoic acid

Benzoic acid (E210) is a preservative used to help keep acidic foods and drinks safe and fresh by slowing the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria. It occurs naturally in small amounts in some berries and fermented foods, and is also made for food use under strict purity standards.

READ MORE >>

E235 - Natamycin

Natamycin (E235) is a natural antifungal preservative used mainly on the surface of cheeses and some cured meats to stop molds and yeasts from growing. It does not target bacteria, so it helps keep food mold-free without disrupting normal bacterial ripening in cheese.

READ MORE >>
Synonyms
E210
Benzoic acid
E235
Natamycin
Pimaracin
Functions
preservative
preservative
Origins
Plant
Synthetic
Microbiological
Products

Found in 386 products

Found in 4,349 products

Search rank & volume
#7533.2K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#2213.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×12.42
over-aware

×0.10
under-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Read more about E210Read more
Read more about E235Read more
Popular questions

  1. Is benzoic acid soluble in water?

    Only sparingly—about 3 g per liter at room temperature; its solubility increases in hot water and it dissolves readily in many organic solvents.

  2. Is benzoic acid polar?

    It has a polar carboxyl group but a nonpolar aromatic ring, so overall it’s only weakly polar; its benzoate salt is much more polar and water‑soluble.

  3. Is benzoic acid a strong acid?

    No—it's a weak acid, with a pKa of about 4.2.

  4. What is the melting point of benzoic acid?

    About 122–123 °C (251–253 °F).

  5. Is benzoic acid bad for you?

    At approved food levels it’s considered safe, with an ADI of 0–5 mg/kg body weight/day; some people may experience irritation or hypersensitivity, and benzene formation in certain acidic drinks is monitored and kept very low.

READ MORE ABOUT E210READ MORE >>

  1. What is natamycin in cheese?

    A natural antifungal preservative (E235) applied to the surface of cheeses to prevent mold and yeast growth; it stays near the rind and has minimal penetration or effect on flavor.

  2. Natamycin what is it?

    Natamycin (E235) is a polyene antifungal produced by Streptomyces, used in foods to inhibit molds/yeasts and also as a topical antifungal medicine.

  3. How natamycin works?

    It binds to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, disrupting their function and stopping mold and yeast growth; it doesn’t act on bacteria because they lack ergosterol.

  4. Is natamycin an antibiotic?

    Yes—it's an antifungal antibiotic (polyene), but in foods it’s used specifically to control molds and yeasts and isn’t active against bacteria.

  5. Why did whole foods ban natamycin?

    Whole Foods excludes natamycin under its ingredient standards that avoid certain preservatives/antimicrobial agents; this is a retailer policy choice rather than a regulatory safety ban.

READ MORE ABOUT E235READ MORE >>