Comparing E316 - sodium erythorbate vs E252 - Potassium nitrate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 7,337 products
Found in 14 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 2 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 potassium nitrate soluble in water?
Yes—it's readily soluble in water (about 32 g per 100 g water at 20°C, increasing sharply with temperature) and only sparingly soluble in alcohol.
Why is potassium nitrate classified as an electrolyte?
Because it dissociates completely into potassium (K+) and nitrate (NO3−) ions in water, allowing the solution to conduct electricity as a strong electrolyte.
How to make potassium nitrate?
Industrial and food-grade potassium nitrate is made by neutralizing nitric acid with a potassium base (e.g., potassium hydroxide or carbonate) and then purifying/crystallizing; it should not be made at home, and food use requires regulated, food-grade material.
What does potassium nitrate do for teeth?
In desensitizing toothpastes, it helps reduce sensitivity by calming dental nerves (via potassium ions), with benefits building over several days to a few weeks of regular use.
What is potassium nitrate used for?
As E252, it's used in certain cured meats and cheeses as a preservative/curing aid under strict limits; outside food it’s used in fertilizers, some toothpastes for sensitivity, and pyrotechnics.