Compare E221 vs E226, Sodium sulphite vs Calcium sulphite

Overview

E221 - Sodium sulphite

Sodium sulphite (E221) is a preservative and antioxidant used to slow browning and keep foods stable and fresh-tasting. It belongs to the “sulphites” group, which also includes sulphur dioxide and several sulphite salts used for similar purposes. While widely permitted with limits and labeling rules, a small number of people—especially some with asthma—are sensitive to sulphites.

E226 - Calcium sulphite

Calcium sulphite (E226) is a preservative from the sulfite family. It helps stop browning and slows the growth of microbes by releasing small amounts of sulfur dioxide. Some people, especially a few with asthma, can be sensitive to sulfites, so labels matter for them.

Synonyms

E221

Sodium sulphite

Sodium sulfite

E226

Calcium sulphite

Calcium sulfite

Functions

antioxidant preservative

Origins

Synthetic

Mineral

Products

Found in 595 products

Found in 8 products

Search rank & volume

#2093.4K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#341350 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.84

normal

×4.32

over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

What is the formula for sodium sulfite?
Na2SO3; it’s also commonly available as the heptahydrate Na2SO3·7H2O.
What is the chemical formula for sodium sulfite?
Na2SO3 (sodium sulfite), sometimes encountered as the heptahydrate Na2SO3·7H2O.
Is sodium phosphate a sulfite?
No—sodium phosphate contains the phosphate anion (PO4^3-), not the sulfite anion (SO3^2-).
What is sodium sulfite used for?
It’s an antioxidant/preservative that prevents browning and oxidation and helps stabilize color and flavor in foods like dried fruits and potatoes; in wine it also helps control unwanted microbes.
"sodium sulfite as a preservative is not allowed on what foods"?
In the U.S., sulfiting agents like sodium sulfite are not allowed on fresh fruits and vegetables intended to be served or sold raw to consumers (e.g., salad bars, fresh-cut produce).

Comparing E221 - Sodium sulphite vs E226 - Calcium sulphite