Comparing E301 - Sodium ascorbate vs E306 - Tocopherol-rich extract

Synonyms
E301
Sodium ascorbate
Sodium L-ascorbate
E306
Tocopherol-rich extract
Tocopherols
natural tocopherols
mixed tocopherols
natural mixed tocopherols
Products

Found in 214 products

Found in 5,813 products

Search rank & volume
#2193.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#1488.4K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×2.10
over-aware

×0.21
under-aware

Search volume over time

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

Interest over time for 6 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. Are tocopherols bad for you?

    No—tocopherols (E306, natural vitamin E) are considered safe at permitted food-use levels; issues mainly arise with excessive supplement doses, which can increase bleeding risk or cause mild stomach upset.

  2. Are tocopherols safe for dogs?

    Yes—mixed tocopherols are commonly used as natural preservatives in dog foods and are considered safe at those levels; avoid high-dose vitamin E supplements for pets unless advised by a veterinarian.

  3. What are tocopherols in food?

    They are vitamin E compounds (E306) extracted from vegetable oils, added as antioxidants to slow oxidation and rancidity, especially in fatty foods.

  4. What is tocopherols in food?

    In foods, “tocopherols” (E306) refers to a vitamin E–rich extract used as an antioxidant to stabilize oils and preserve flavor.

  5. Are tocopherols safe?

    Yes—E306 is generally considered safe at normal food levels (authorized in the EU and GRAS in the U.S.); risks mainly come from very high supplemental intakes.