Comparing E210 - Benzoic acid vs E440A - Pectin

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.

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E440A - Pectin

Pectin (E440a) is a plant-based gelling fiber extracted mainly from citrus peels and apple pomace. It helps jams set, keeps fruit preparations stable, and gives beverages and dairy a smooth, consistent texture. Regulators in the U.S. and EU allow pectin in many foods when used according to good manufacturing practice.

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Synonyms
E210
Benzoic acid
E440a
Pectin
Functions
preservative
gelling agentstabilizerthickener
Origins
Plant
Synthetic
Plant
Products

Found in 386 products

Found in 1 products

Search rank & volume
#7533.2K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#5656K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×12.42
over-aware

×1364.98
over-aware

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.

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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.

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  1. What is fruit pectin?

    Fruit pectin is a plant-derived soluble fiber (a polysaccharide) extracted mainly from citrus peels and apple pomace, used as a gelling agent in foods like jams and jellies. It forms gels in the presence of sugar and acid (or calcium for low-methoxyl types).

  2. Is pectin bad for you?

    No—E440a (pectin) is widely approved and generally recognized as safe at normal food levels. Large supplemental amounts may cause gas or bloating in some people.

  3. What is pectin made of?

    Pectin is made of carbohydrate chains rich in galacturonic acid from plant cell walls, especially citrus fruits and apples. Commercial pectin is extracted from citrus peels or apple pomace.

  4. Is pectin vegan?

    Yes—pectin is plant-derived and considered vegan; even amidated pectins use ammonia, not animal ingredients.

  5. What is pectin used for?

    It’s used as a gelling agent in jams and jellies, and as a thickener/stabilizer in fruit fillings, confectionery, juices, and dairy drinks; it also contributes dietary fiber.

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