Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E326 - potassium lactate
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Found in 16,173 products
Found in 2,226 products
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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 potassium lactate dairy?
No—despite the name, potassium lactate isn’t a dairy ingredient; it’s the potassium salt of lactic acid, typically made by fermenting plant sugars.
Is potassium lactate bad for you?
It’s considered safe at permitted food levels (E326; GRAS in the U.S.); those with kidney disease or on potassium‑restricted diets should monitor intake due to its potassium content.
What is potassium lactate in food?
A preservative and humectant that inhibits bacterial growth and helps retain moisture and control acidity, commonly used to extend shelf life in meats and poultry.
Does potassium lactate have dairy?
No—it contains no milk, lactose, or milk proteins; it is produced by neutralizing fermented lactic acid.
Is potassium lactate dairy free?
Yes—it's dairy‑ and lactose‑free; commercial food-grade material is generally made by fermentation of plant sugars.