Comparing E301 - Sodium ascorbate vs E222 - Sodium bisulphite

Synonyms
E301
Sodium ascorbate
Sodium L-ascorbate
E222
Sodium bisulphite
Sodium bisulfite
Products

Found in 214 products

Found in 1,804 products

Search rank & volume
#2193.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#2024K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×2.10
over-aware

×0.33
under-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 3 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
  1. Is sodium ascorbate vitamin c?

    Yes—sodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and provides vitamin C, with no proven bioavailability advantage over other forms; it also contributes some sodium.

  2. What is sodium ascorbate used for?

    As a food additive (E301) it acts as an antioxidant and acidity regulator, helping prevent oxidation and maintain color (e.g., in meats and beverages), and it’s also used to fortify foods or as a vitamin C supplement.

  3. How to make sodium ascorbate?

    It’s produced by neutralizing L-ascorbic acid with a sodium base (commonly sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate) and then drying; food-grade production is controlled for purity and is not recommended to replicate at home.

  4. How to take sodium ascorbate?

    Follow the product label, typically taken with water or food; don’t exceed about 2,000 mg/day of vitamin C from all sources unless advised, and account for the added sodium.

  5. Is sodium ascorbate safe?

    Yes—E301 is approved in the EU, USA, and Australia/New Zealand and is generally recognized as safe at typical food and supplement levels; high intakes may cause gastrointestinal upset, increase sodium intake, and may not suit people prone to kidney stones or on sodium-restricted diets.

  1. Is sodium bisulfite bad for you?

    At approved food-use levels, sodium bisulfite (E222) is considered safe; regulators set a group ADI of 0–0.7 mg/kg body weight expressed as SO2. However, sulfite‑sensitive people—especially some asthmatics—may experience reactions like wheezing, hives, or headaches and should avoid it.

  2. What is sodium bisulfite used for?

    It’s an antioxidant and preservative that prevents browning and oxidation and helps control microbes, commonly used in products like wines, dried fruits, shrimp, and cut potatoes.

  3. What is sodium bisulfite in food?

    It’s a sulfiting agent (E222) that releases sulfur dioxide to protect color and flavor and extend shelf life; it must be declared on labels when present above about 10 ppm (as SO2).

  4. How much sodium bisulfite to neutralize chlorine?

    Approximately 1.5 mg of sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) is needed per 1 mg of free chlorine (as Cl2) per liter, stoichiometrically. In practice use a slight excess and confirm with a chlorine test; the reaction releases heat and SO2, so handle carefully.

  5. Is sodium bisulfite gluten free?

    Yes—sodium bisulfite is a synthetic mineral salt and contains no gluten; any gluten risk would come from other ingredients, not the additive itself.