Comparing E301 - Sodium ascorbate vs E320 - Butylated hydroxyanisole (bha)

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Overview

E301 - Sodium ascorbate

Sodium ascorbate (E301) is the sodium salt of vitamin C. Food makers use it mainly as an antioxidant and color helper, especially in cured meats. You might also see it in drinks and fruit products to keep flavors and colors fresh.

E320 - Butylated hydroxyanisole (bha)

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), also labeled as E320, is a synthetic antioxidant used to keep fats and oils from going rancid. It helps protect flavor, color, and texture in many shelf‑stable foods. You will usually see it listed as “BHA” or “E320” on ingredient labels.

Synonyms

E301

Sodium ascorbate

Sodium L-ascorbate

E320

Butylated hydroxyanisole (bha)

Butylated hydroxyanisole

BHA

Functions

antioxidant

Origins

Microbiological

Synthetic

Products

Found in 214 products

Found in 3,273 products

Search rank & volume

#2193.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#9521.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×2.10

over-aware

×0.94

normal

Search volume over time

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

Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.