Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E262II - Sodium diacetate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 16,173 products
Found in 5,417 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 sodium benzoate bad for you?
Generally no—it's an approved preservative with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–5 mg/kg body weight, and typical intakes are well below this. Rare sensitivities (e.g., hives/asthma-like symptoms) can occur, and in vitamin C–containing drinks exposed to heat/light it can form trace benzene, which manufacturers work to minimize.
Is sodium benzoate safe?
Yes—it's authorized by regulators (e.g., FDA, EFSA, JECFA) with an ADI of 0–5 mg/kg body weight and is GRAS in foods up to 0.1%. Those with sensitivities may wish to limit it, and beverages containing both sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid should be protected from heat/light to prevent benzene formation.
Is sodium benzoate safe for skin?
Yes—it's widely used as a cosmetic preservative at low concentrations and is considered safe by regulatory and review bodies. It may occasionally cause mild irritation or sensitization, especially on very sensitive or damaged skin.
Is sodium benzoate bad for hair?
No—at the low levels used to preserve shampoos and conditioners it does not damage hair fibers. As with many preservatives, higher concentrations can irritate the scalp, but consumer products use small amounts.
Is sodium benzoate harmful?
Not at permitted food and cosmetic levels; safety limits (e.g., ADI 0–5 mg/kg body weight) are set to prevent harm. Main concerns are rare intolerance reactions and trace benzene formation in vitamin C–containing drinks under heat/light, which industry monitors and minimizes.
Is sodium diacetate gluten free?
Yes—sodium diacetate is inherently gluten-free; it's a purified salt of acetic acid and contains no wheat, barley, or rye.
Is sodium diacetate bad for you?
No—at permitted food-use levels it’s considered safe (GRAS in the U.S. and authorized in the EU). It can add some sodium and, in high concentrations, may irritate the mouth or stomach, but typical amounts in foods are small.
What is sodium diacetate in food?
A 1:1 complex of sodium acetate and acetic acid used as an acidity regulator, preservative, and flavoring that imparts a vinegar note. It helps inhibit molds and some bacteria to extend shelf life.
What is sodium diacetate made from?
It’s made by neutralizing acetic acid (from fermentation or synthetic sources) with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate to form sodium acetate, then combining it with additional acetic acid to make sodium diacetate.
What is sodium diacetate used for?
To control pH and microbial growth and to provide salt-and-vinegar flavor; it’s common in breads and tortillas (mold inhibitor), snack seasonings, sauces, and processed meats (Listeria control, often with lactate).