E201 - Sodium sorbate

Synonyms: E201Sodium sorbatesodium (E‚E)-hexa-2‚4-dienoate

Search interest:#379200 / moin U.S.🇺🇸data from

Function:

preservative

Origin:

Synthetic

Products: Found in 9 products

Awareness:
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Sodium sorbate (E201) is a preservative that helps stop molds and yeasts from growing in food. It is the sodium salt of sorbic acid and works best in foods with a lower, more acidic pH. It has been used to keep many packaged foods fresher for longer.

At a glance

  • What it is: the sodium salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative
  • What it does: slows the growth of molds and yeasts, especially in acidic foods
  • Where it’s found: baked goods, cheeses, beverages, and other packaged foods
  • Also known as: E201 on EU-style labels
  • Typical alternatives: sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, calcium sorbate, sodium benzoate

Why is Sodium sorbate added to food?

Food makers use sodium sorbate to prevent spoilage caused by molds and yeasts. It is most effective in acidic foods, where undissociated sorbic acid can enter microbial cells and slow their growth.1

What foods contain Sodium sorbate?

You may find sodium sorbate in items like sliced bread and tortillas, cheese and cheese spreads, fruit drinks, wines, and ready-to-eat desserts. The Codex General Standard for Food Additives (an international food-standard system) lists sodium sorbate (INS 201) as a preservative and sets maximum levels for many specific food categories.2

What can replace Sodium sorbate?

There are several options, depending on the food and the result you want:

How is Sodium sorbate made?

Sodium sorbate is produced by neutralizing sorbic acid with a sodium base (such as sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate) to form the sodium salt. In EU specifications, E201 is defined as the sodium salt of sorbic acid with set identity and purity criteria.3

Is Sodium sorbate safe to eat?

International bodies have evaluated sorbates for use in food, and Codex lists sodium sorbate (INS 201) as a preservative with maximum permitted levels by food category.2 Sorbic acid (the active part of sorbates) is readily metabolized by the body to carbon dioxide and water, similar to fatty acids, and has a long history of use in food.1 As with any preservative, safety depends on using it within the limits set by food regulations.2

Does Sodium sorbate have any benefits?

  • Helps keep foods fresher for longer by slowing mold and yeast growth
  • Supports food safety when paired with good manufacturing practices
  • Can reduce food waste by extending shelf life

Who should avoid Sodium sorbate?

Most people can consume foods with sodium sorbate as part of a normal diet. If you have been advised by a healthcare provider to avoid sorbates or preservatives in general, check labels. People on strict low-sodium diets should note that the sodium from preservatives is usually small compared to salt in foods, but label reading can help you manage total intake.

Myths & facts

  • Myth: “Sodium sorbate is the same as sorbitol.” Fact: They are different; sorbate is a preservative, while sorbitol is a sweetener and humectant.
  • Myth: “It replaces refrigeration.” Fact: Preservatives help, but safe storage and temperature control are still needed.
  • Myth: “It kills all microbes.” Fact: Sorbates are strongest against molds and yeasts and work best in acidic foods.1
  • Myth: “It’s the same as MSG.” Fact: It is unrelated to monosodium glutamate.

Sodium sorbate in branded foods

On ingredient lists, it may appear as “sodium sorbate,” “preservative (sodium sorbate),” or “E201” where E-numbers are used. You’ll most often see it in products that need help resisting mold or yeast during their shelf life, such as baked goods, cheeses, and some beverages.

References

Footnotes

  1. Re-evaluation of sorbic acid (E 200) and potassium sorbate (E 202) as food additives — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/4145 ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  2. Sodium sorbate (INS 201) in the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) — FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius. https://www.fao.org/gsfaonline/additives/details.html?id=201 ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  3. Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 laying down specifications for food additives listed in Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 — EUR-Lex. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32012R0231 ↩

Popular Questions

  1. E201 ntbr can be used on what sharp calculators?

    E201 here refers to sodium sorbate, a food preservative, not a calculator accessory—it's unrelated to Sharp calculators.

  2. For people who react to msg, they should avoid sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate?

    MSG sensitivity doesn’t imply reactions to sorbates or benzoates, which are chemically unrelated preservatives; most people tolerate them at permitted levels, though a few may experience intolerance and should avoid only if they’ve had specific reactions.

  3. How much should i use potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate?

    Typical use levels are about 0.02–0.1% (200–1000 mg/kg) for sorbates and 0.05–0.1% (500–1000 mg/kg) for benzoates, subject to product type and local regulations; benzoate works best below pH ~4.5, sorbate up to about pH 6.5.

  4. How much sodium sorbate to use?

    Where permitted, sodium sorbate is typically used around 0.02–0.1% (200–1000 mg/kg), adjusted for product and pH; note it is not authorized in the EU and is uncommon elsewhere, so check local regulations.

  5. How to adjust screen size on an hp e201?

    That refers to an HP monitor model and isn’t related to sodium sorbate (E201), a food preservative; please consult the monitor’s manual or HP support for display settings.

Top questions that users ask about this topic based on Ahrefs data

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