Comparing E300 - Ascorbic acid vs E213 - Calcium benzoate

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Overview

E300 - Ascorbic acid

Ascorbic acid (E300) is the food‑grade form of vitamin C. It works mainly as an antioxidant that helps keep colors and flavors fresh, and it also strengthens dough in bakery products. It is widely used, well studied, and permitted in many countries.

E213 - Calcium benzoate

Calcium benzoate (E213) is a preservative used to keep foods and drinks from spoiling, especially when they are acidic. It helps prevent the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria, which can extend shelf life and reduce food waste. It is one of several benzoate salts approved for use in many regions.

Synonyms

E300

Ascorbic acid

l-ascorbic acid

Synonyms L-xylo-Ascorbic acid

E213

Calcium benzoate

Functions

antioxidant flour treatment agent

preservative

Origins

Products

Found in 3,523 products

Found in 0 products

Search rank & volume

#5158.9K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#405140 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×2.44

over-aware

Awareness data is not available.

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 4 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 ascorbic acid bad for you?
No—ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is considered safe at typical food levels and is essential for health; it’s GRAS in the U.S. and approved in the EU. Very high supplemental doses can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in susceptible people, increase kidney stone risk.
Can dogs have ascorbic acid?
Yes, small amounts in foods are safe, but dogs synthesize their own vitamin C and usually don’t need supplements. High doses may cause diarrhea, so consult a veterinarian before supplementing.
What is ascorbic acid made from?
Commercial ascorbic acid is typically made from glucose (often derived from corn, wheat, or cassava) that’s converted via microbial fermentation and chemical steps into L‑ascorbic acid.
How is ascorbic acid made?
Industrially, D‑glucose is converted to 2‑keto‑L‑gulonic acid by fermentation (or via the older Reichstein process: glucose → sorbitol → L‑sorbose → 2‑KGA) and then chemically cyclized to ascorbic acid. Modern methods use two-step fermentation to improve efficiency.
Is ascorbic acid the same as citric acid?
No—ascorbic acid (E300) is vitamin C and an antioxidant, while citric acid (E330) is a different compound mainly used as an acidulant and does not provide vitamin C.