Comparing E210 - Benzoic acid vs E316 - sodium erythorbate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 386 products
Found in 7,337 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
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.
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.
Is benzoic acid a strong acid?
No—it's a weak acid, with a pKa of about 4.2.
What is the melting point of benzoic acid?
About 122–123 °C (251–253 °F).
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.
Is sodium erythorbate bad for you?
No—regulators consider it safe at permitted food-use levels; most people tolerate it well, though very large intakes may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Is sodium erythorbate gluten free?
Yes. It’s a pure antioxidant made from sugars and contains no wheat, barley, or rye proteins, though you should check the overall product for other gluten sources.
What is sodium erythorbate made from?
It’s the sodium salt of erythorbic acid, produced by fermenting sugars (e.g., from corn, sugar cane, or beets) and then neutralizing with sodium—despite myths, it’s not made from earthworms.
Is sodium erythorbate a carcinogen?
No. It is not classified as a carcinogen and, in cured meats, it actually helps inhibit formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines.
What is sodium erythorbate used for in food?
It’s an antioxidant used mainly in cured meats to speed nitrite curing, maintain a pink color, improve flavor stability, and reduce nitrosamine formation; it’s also used in some beverages and baked goods.