Comparing E262 - Sodium acetates vs E524 - Sodium hydroxide

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Overview

E262 - Sodium acetates

Sodium acetates (E262) are salts of acetic acid used to regulate acidity, add a tangy “salt-and-vinegar” taste, and help keep foods fresh. The group includes sodium acetate and sodium diacetate, both widely used in snacks, baked goods, and some meat and poultry products.

E524 - Sodium hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide (E524), also called lye or caustic soda, is a strong alkali used in small, controlled amounts in food processing. It helps adjust acidity (pH), loosens peels on fruits and vegetables, and creates the classic deep-brown crust on pretzels.

Synonyms

E262

Sodium acetates

E524

Sodium hydroxide

Caustic soda

Functions

acidity regulator preservative

acidity regulator

Origins

Microbiological

Synthetic

Products

Found in 5,778 products

Found in 393 products

Search rank & volume

#46460 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#5258K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.00

under-aware

×21.32

over-aware

Search volume over time

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

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

Popular questions

What is e262 in food?
E262 is sodium acetates (sodium acetate and sodium diacetate), used as a preservative and acidity regulator to control pH and inhibit microbial growth.
What is sodium acetates formula?
Sodium acetate is CH3COONa (anhydrous) or CH3COONa·3H2O (trihydrate); sodium diacetate (E262(ii)) is CH3COONa·CH3COOH.
What is sodium acetates symbol?
Chemically it’s written as CH3COONa (often abbreviated NaOAc); on food labels the code is E262.
Where is area cod e262?
E262 isn’t an area code—it’s the EU food additive number for sodium acetates shown on ingredient lists.
Why are sodium bicarbonate and sidium acetates?
Both are sodium salts of weak acids used in foods: sodium bicarbonate acts as a leavening agent/acid neutralizer, while sodium acetates preserve foods and help regulate acidity.