Comparing E210 - Benzoic acid vs E546 - Magnesium pyrophosphate

Select first additive

Select second additive

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.

E546 - Magnesium pyrophosphate

Magnesium pyrophosphate (E546) is a phosphate-based mineral salt used in small amounts to help foods keep the right texture, especially dry mixes. It belongs to the family of phosphate additives and is typically used for processing performance rather than flavor or nutrition.

Synonyms

E210

Benzoic acid

E546

Magnesium pyrophosphate

Functions

preservative

sequestrant stabilizer

Origins

Plant

Synthetic

Mineral

Products

Found in 386 products

Found in 0 products

Search rank & volume

#7533.2K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#50430 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×12.42

over-aware

Awareness data is not available.

Search volume over time

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

Search history data is not available.

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.