Are sulphites in soft drinks? What you need to know

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately one in nine asthmatics reports that their condition is worsened by drinking soft drinks containing sulphur dioxide. So, are sulphites in soft drinks? Yes, many bottled soft drinks and cordials utilize sulphites as preservatives to extend their shelf life and maintain freshness.

Quick Summary

Sulphites are commonly found in many soft drinks, used as preservatives and antioxidants. Identifying them requires checking labels for E-numbers (E220-E228) and understanding their function in beverages.

Key Points

Common Preservative: Sulphites are frequently added to soft drinks to act as preservatives and antioxidants.
Label Recognition: You can identify sulphites by looking for E-numbers E220-E228 or the names like 'sulphur dioxide' and 'sodium metabisulphite' on ingredient lists.
Health Risk for Sensitives: While generally safe, sulphites can trigger asthma-like symptoms or other reactions in a small percentage of sensitive individuals, especially asthmatics.
Not a True Allergy: Most reactions to sulphites are sensitivities or intolerances, not true allergies, though they mimic allergy symptoms.
Alternatives Exist: It is possible to find soft drinks with reduced or no added sulphites, often indicated on the label as 'no added sulphites' or with organic certifications.
Seek Medical Advice: If you experience adverse reactions after consuming soft drinks, consult a healthcare provider to determine if sulphite sensitivity is the cause.

The Role of Sulphites in Soft Drinks

Why are Sulphites Added?

Sulphites, a class of chemical compounds including sulphur dioxide (E220) and various sulphite salts (E221-E228), are deliberately added to a wide range of soft drinks for several key purposes. Their use is widespread in the food and beverage industry for their versatile properties.

Preservation: They inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds that can cause spoilage. This is crucial for extending the shelf life of products, especially those with high sugar content, which are prone to microbial growth.
Antioxidant: Sulphites act as potent antioxidants, preventing oxidative reactions that can lead to browning and dulling of a drink's flavor and color. This is particularly important for fruit juices and clear sodas to maintain a fresh, appealing appearance.
Flavor Enhancement: By inhibiting oxidation, sulphites help maintain the intended flavor profile of the beverage, ensuring consistency from the first sip to the last.

How to Identify Sulphites on Soft Drink Labels

Reading Ingredient Lists

The presence of added sulphites must be declared on product labels when their concentration exceeds 10 parts per million (ppm), a regulation followed by many countries for consumer protection. Look for explicit names like "sulphur dioxide," "sodium metabisulphite," or their corresponding E-numbers, which are the European system codes for food additives.

List of Common Sulphite E-Numbers:

E220: Sulphur Dioxide
E221: Sodium Sulphite
E222: Sodium Bisulphite
E223: Sodium Metabisulphite
E224: Potassium Metabisulphite
E226: Calcium Sulphite
E227: Calcium Bisulphite
E228: Potassium Bisulphite

Health Considerations: Sulphite Sensitivity

Not a True Allergy

For most people, sulphites are safe to consume in moderation and without any adverse health effects. However, a small percentage of the population can have sensitivity reactions to sulphites, which are more common in people with asthma. These reactions are typically intolerances, not true IgE-mediated allergies, but can still cause significant allergy-like symptoms that can sometimes be severe.

Common symptoms of sulphite sensitivity include:

Respiratory issues such as wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing.
Skin reactions like hives (urticaria) and flushing.
Digestive problems, including stomach cramps and diarrhea.

Comparison of Common Preservatives


Feature	Sulphites (E220-E228)	Sodium Benzoate (E211)	Potassium Sorbate (E202)
Primary Function	Antioxidant & Antimicrobial	Antimicrobial (bacteria, yeasts)	Antifungal (mold, yeast)
Primary Target	Bacteria, yeast, oxidation	Yeast, mold, some bacteria	Mold, yeast
Common in	Fruit juices, cordials, wine	Carbonated soft drinks	Soft drinks, fruit products
Health Concerns	Sensitivity, especially in asthmatics	Allergic reactions, hyperactivity link (controversial)	Generally considered low risk
Labeling	Explicit mention required above 10ppm	Listed by name or E-number	Listed by name or E-number

The choice of preservative often depends on the beverage's pH, ingredients, and desired shelf life.

How to Find Sulphite-Free Soft Drinks

For consumers concerned about sulphite intake, finding alternatives is possible, and manufacturers are responding to consumer demand for "clean label" products with fewer synthetic additives.

Careful Label Reading: The most reliable method is to read the ingredient list carefully and avoid products with E-numbers E220-E228 or terms like "sulphur dioxide".
"No Added Sulphites": Look for products that are explicitly labeled "no added sulphites".
Organic Options: Natural or organic juices and sodas may use alternative preservation methods or simply contain lower, naturally occurring levels that do not require labeling.
DIY Testing Kits: For those with severe sensitivities, portable kits are available that can detect the presence of sulphites in a beverage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, sulphites are used in many soft drinks, where they function as important preservatives and antioxidants to maintain quality and extend shelf life. While safe for the majority, they pose a risk to the small percentage of individuals who are sensitive, particularly those with asthma. Informed consumer choices depend on understanding food labels, specifically looking for sulphur dioxide (E220) and other E-numbers (E221-E228), and being aware of alternative preservatives. The good news is that for those with sensitivity, alternatives exist, and many manufacturers are offering products with reduced or no added sulphites. If you suspect a sensitivity, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for personalized advice and management.

The Cleveland Clinic provides detailed information on sulfite sensitivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sulphites are added as preservatives and antioxidants to extend shelf life, prevent microbial spoilage, and stop discoloration.

Check the ingredients label for E-numbers from E220 to E228, or for names like sulphur dioxide or sodium metabisulphite. The label must declare added sulphites above 10ppm.

No, sulphites are generally safe for the majority of the population. The primary concern is for a small percentage of people with sulphite sensitivity, especially asthmatics.

Symptoms can include wheezing, chest tightness, hives, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, though reactions vary by individual.

No, not all soft drinks contain sulphites. The presence of sulphites depends on the brand, ingredients, and preservation methods used. Some may contain them, while others use different preservatives.

Yes, sulphites can occur naturally in some ingredients, though they are usually added intentionally for their stronger preservative properties. Products containing natural sources will typically not be labelled unless the 10ppm threshold is met.

No, sulphites are different from sulphates. They are different chemical compounds and do not cause cross-reactions.