Comparing E301 - Sodium ascorbate vs E321 - Butylated hydroxytoluene
Overview
Synonyms
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Found in 214 products
Found in 5,513 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 5 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.
What is bht in food?
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene, E321) is a synthetic antioxidant added in small amounts to keep fats and oils from oxidizing, helping foods stay fresh and resist rancidity.
Is bht bad for you?
Major regulators (FDA, EFSA, JECFA) consider BHT safe at permitted levels, with an acceptable daily intake around 0.25–0.3 mg/kg body weight/day. High doses in animal studies have caused liver/thyroid effects, but evidence of harm at normal food-use levels in humans is limited.
What is bht in cereal?
It’s an antioxidant preservative used to keep the cereal’s fats from going rancid; in some products it’s applied to the packaging liner rather than the cereal itself to help preserve freshness.
What is bha and bht?
BHA (E320, butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (E321, butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants used to slow the oxidation of fats and oils in foods, helping preserve flavor and shelf life.
What is bht and why you should avoid it?
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to prevent rancidity and preserve freshness. It’s considered safe at regulated levels, but some people choose to avoid it due to its synthetic origin or concerns from high-dose animal studies.