Comparing E316 - sodium erythorbate vs E250 - Sodium nitrite
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 7,337 products
Found in 10,296 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 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
Is sodium erythorbate bad for you?
No—regulators consider it safe at permitted food-use levels; most people tolerate it well, though very large intakes may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Is sodium erythorbate gluten free?
Yes. It’s a pure antioxidant made from sugars and contains no wheat, barley, or rye proteins, though you should check the overall product for other gluten sources.
What is sodium erythorbate made from?
It’s the sodium salt of erythorbic acid, produced by fermenting sugars (e.g., from corn, sugar cane, or beets) and then neutralizing with sodium—despite myths, it’s not made from earthworms.
Is sodium erythorbate a carcinogen?
No. It is not classified as a carcinogen and, in cured meats, it actually helps inhibit formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines.
What is sodium erythorbate used for in food?
It’s an antioxidant used mainly in cured meats to speed nitrite curing, maintain a pink color, improve flavor stability, and reduce nitrosamine formation; it’s also used in some beverages and baked goods.
Is sodium nitrite bad for you?
In regulated amounts used in cured meats, it’s considered safe and helps prevent botulism; EFSA’s acceptable daily intake (ADI) for nitrite is 0.07 mg/kg body weight per day from all sources. High doses can cause methemoglobinemia and can promote nitrosamine formation, so use levels are strictly limited.
What is sodium nitrite used for?
Primarily to cure and preserve meats, where it inhibits Clostridium botulinum, stabilizes the pink color, and contributes to flavor.
How much sodium nitrite is deadly?
Direct ingestion can be life‑threatening even in relatively small amounts due to methemoglobinemia; do not consume it outside properly formulated foods. If you’re concerned about exposure or personal safety, contact poison control or emergency services right away.
Does sodium nitrite cause cancer?
Nitrite itself isn’t classified as a human carcinogen, but it can form carcinogenic N‑nitrosamines under certain conditions; IARC classifies ingested nitrate/nitrite under conditions leading to endogenous nitrosation as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A). Regulators cap nitrite levels and often require ascorbate/erythorbate to limit nitrosamine formation.
How to buy sodium nitrite?
Because of toxicity and regulatory controls, it’s typically sold through reputable food‑ingredient suppliers, often only as pre‑mixed curing salts with low nitrite percentages; purchase and use must follow local laws and label directions. For legitimate culinary use, seek guidance on safe handling and approved formulations; if you’re looking for it due to thoughts of self‑harm, please seek immediate help from local emergency services or a crisis hotline.