Comparing E223 - Sodium metabisulphite vs E539 - sodium thiosulfate

Synonyms
E223
Sodium metabisulphite
Pyrosulphite
Sodium metabisulfite
Pyrosulfite
E539
sodium thiosulfate
Products

Found in 2,840 products

Found in 20 products

Search rank & volume
#1547.8K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#1429.4K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×0.40
under-aware

×55.26
over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 5 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
  1. Is sodium metabisulfite bad for you?

    For most people it isn’t “bad” at the low levels used in foods, but sulfite‑sensitive individuals (including some asthmatics) can have reactions such as wheezing, hives, or headaches. Regulators set a group ADI for sulfites of 0–0.7 mg SO2 equivalents per kg body weight per day.

  2. Is sodium metabisulfite safe?

    Yes—E223 is an approved preservative/antioxidant when used within regulated limits, though sulfites must be declared on labels and can trigger adverse reactions in sensitive people and some asthmatics.

  3. Is sodium metabisulfite gluten free?

    Yes. It’s a synthetic inorganic salt and contains no gluten; any gluten risk would come from other ingredients or cross-contact, not the additive itself.

  4. What is sodium metabisulfite used for?

    It’s used as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent browning and microbial spoilage in foods and drinks (e.g., wine, cider, dried fruits, seafood, potato products), and as a sanitizing agent for winemaking/brewing equipment.

  5. How much sodium metabisulfite per gallon of wine?

    To add about 50 mg/L (ppm) SO2 to 1 US gallon, use roughly 0.28 g sodium metabisulfite (about half a sodium Campden tablet); winemakers typically target 25–50 ppm free SO2 depending on pH and often use potassium metabisulfite instead.

  1. What is sodium thiosulfate used for?

    As a food additive (E539), it functions as an antioxidant and sequestrant, binding trace metals and helping prevent oxidation; it’s also used to neutralize residual chlorine in processing water.

  2. How much sodium thiosulfate to neutralize chlorine?

    About 7 parts of sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate (Na2S2O3·5H2O) are needed per 1 part of chlorine (as Cl2) by weight—for example, ~7 mg/L thiosulfate per 1 mg/L free chlorine; in practice, a small excess is often used.

  3. Is gold sodium thiosulfate in makeup?

    Gold sodium thiosulfate is a different compound from food additive E539 and isn’t typically used in cosmetics; check the ingredient list if you’re concerned about gold-containing ingredients.

  4. How many elements are in sodium thiosulfate?

    Anhydrous sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3) contains 3 elements (Na, S, O); the common pentahydrate (Na2S2O3·5H2O) includes 4 (adds H from the water of crystallization).

  5. What does sodium thiosulfate do?

    In foods it acts as an antioxidant and sequestrant, helping prevent oxidation and off-colors by binding metals, and it can dechlorinate processing water.