Nutrition Diet: Which products contain sodium benzoate?

October 6, 2025 •

5 min read

Sodium benzoate is a widely used food preservative, often found in acidic products to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria, thereby prolonging shelf life. While it is classified as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) by the FDA, many people are still concerned about its presence in their food. This guide will explain which products contain sodium benzoate, its purpose, and how to identify it on labels.

Quick Summary

Sodium benzoate, a common preservative, is found in various acidic food products like soft drinks, salad dressings, and pickles to inhibit microbial growth. It also appears in cosmetics, personal care items, and pharmaceuticals. Consumers can identify this additive by reading product labels and ingredient lists.

Key Points

Prevalent in Acidic Products: Sodium benzoate is a preservative found mainly in acidic foods and beverages like soft drinks, fruit juices, salad dressings, and pickles.
Beyond the Kitchen: This preservative also appears in cosmetics, personal care products (like mouthwash), and certain liquid medications.
Benzene Formation Risk: When combined with Vitamin C and exposed to heat or light, sodium benzoate can form benzene, a known carcinogen, although the FDA has worked with manufacturers to minimize this.
Associated with Health Concerns: Some studies have linked sodium benzoate to hyperactivity in children, inflammation, and potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Look for E211: Consumers can identify sodium benzoate on ingredient labels, which may list it by name or as the European food additive code E211.
Choose Alternatives: To reduce intake, consumers can opt for fresh, whole foods or certified organic products, which prohibit synthetic preservatives.

What is Sodium Benzoate and Why Is It Used?

Sodium benzoate, a salt of benzoic acid, is a common preservative widely used in the food and beverage industry. It is created by combining benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide. Benzoic acid, in its natural form, is found in many plants, including cinnamon, cranberries, and plums. The key to its effectiveness is its conversion to benzoic acid in acidic environments, which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and yeast. Food manufacturers use it because it is cost-effective and efficient at preventing spoilage and extending product freshness.

Common Food and Drink Products with Sodium Benzoate

Because it is most effective in acidic conditions, sodium benzoate is primarily added to foods and beverages with a low pH. Consumers will often find it listed as E211 on European labels. The list of products containing this preservative is extensive, including many everyday grocery items. Some of the most common examples include:

Carbonated Soft Drinks: Sodas and other flavored, carbonated beverages frequently use sodium benzoate as a preservative due to their high acidity.
Fruit Juices: Many bottled and packaged fruit juices, particularly those that are not 100% fresh-squeezed, contain sodium benzoate.
Salad Dressings and Condiments: Products like mayonnaise, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and mustard often rely on this preservative to maintain freshness.
Pickles and Sauerkraut: The fermentation process for these products, which creates an acidic environment, makes them a suitable candidate for sodium benzoate addition.
Jams and Jellies: Many store-bought varieties use sodium benzoate to prevent spoilage.
Margarine: This spreadable fat often contains the preservative to extend its shelf life.
Packaged Sauces and Dips: From tomato paste to salsa, many pre-packaged sauces use sodium benzoate to prevent microbial growth.
Certain Baked Goods and Syrups: Some pre-made baked goods and pancake syrups may include it as a preservative.

Sodium Benzoate Beyond the Kitchen

Sodium benzoate's use is not limited to just food and beverages. Its antimicrobial properties make it a valuable ingredient in a wide array of other consumer products. Consumers should be aware that it can also be found in:

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Items such as mouthwash, shampoo, body wash, lotion, and various skincare products often contain sodium benzoate to prevent spoilage from bacteria and mold.
Pharmaceuticals: It is used as a preservative in certain medicines, particularly liquid medications like cough syrups. It can also be used as a lubricant in the manufacturing of pills.
Animal Feed: Sodium benzoate is approved for use as a preservative in animal feed.

The Benzene Connection and Other Health Considerations

While generally considered safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA in small amounts, sodium benzoate has faced scrutiny for potential health concerns. A notable issue arises when sodium benzoate is combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and exposed to heat or light. This combination can form benzene, a known carcinogen. The FDA has tested beverages for benzene levels and worked with manufacturers to reformulate products to address this risk.

Some studies have also suggested other potential health effects associated with sodium benzoate, including:

Hyperactivity in Children: Research has linked artificial food colors and sodium benzoate to increased hyperactivity symptoms in some children.
Inflammation: A 2022 study found a link between sodium benzoate in foods and drinks and inflammation in the body, particularly in individuals with obesity.
Allergic Reactions: In some sensitive individuals, sodium benzoate can trigger allergic reactions such as itching, swelling, or hives.
Oxidative Stress: Some animal studies suggest high or prolonged intake may increase oxidative stress.

How to Identify and Reduce Your Intake

For consumers concerned about sodium benzoate, the most direct approach is to read product labels carefully. Food and product companies are required to list it if it's an ingredient. Here are some strategies for reducing your exposure:

Check Ingredient Lists: Always check the ingredient label for the term "sodium benzoate" or its European code, "E211".
Choose Fresh Foods: Opting for fresh, whole foods like fruits and vegetables is the best way to avoid additives altogether.
Select Organic Products: Certified organic packaged foods and beverages are not allowed to contain synthetic preservatives like sodium benzoate.
Be Mindful of Vitamin C Combinations: If you regularly consume sodas or other acidic drinks, be aware of products that contain both sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Comparison Table: Preservatives in Common Products


Feature	Sodium Benzoate	Potassium Sorbate	Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)	Natural Preservatives (e.g., Vinegar)
Effectiveness	Strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, especially in acidic environments.	Broad spectrum; highly effective against mold and yeast.	Antioxidant, not primarily an antimicrobial agent, but enhances other preservatives.	Effective in acidic conditions; provides a clean-label alternative.
Used In	Sodas, salad dressings, pickles, jams, and juices.	Yogurt, cheese, baked goods, and dried fruits.	Soft drinks, juices, and some processed meats; works in tandem with other preservatives.	Pickles, salad dressings, and some condiments.
Interaction Concern	Can form benzene when combined with Vitamin C and heat.	No significant interactions known to form harmful byproducts.	Can cause benzene formation when with sodium benzoate.	Generally considered safe with no associated formation of carcinogens.
Label Perception	Synthetic additive; causes concern for some consumers seeking "clean-label" products.	Common preservative, generally perceived as safer than benzoate by some.	Natural-sounding name, often not perceived as a negative additive, despite the benzene risk when combined with benzoate.	Generally well-accepted due to being a natural ingredient.

Conclusion

Sodium benzoate is a prevalent preservative in many processed foods, beverages, and personal care products due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to inhibit microbial growth. However, concerns regarding its potential interaction with vitamin C to form benzene and links to hyperactivity in children have led some consumers to seek alternatives. By understanding which products contain sodium benzoate, reading ingredient labels carefully, and opting for fresh or organic alternatives when possible, consumers can make informed decisions about their diets and reduce their intake of this additive. For specific questions about the preservative's safety, especially for children, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider or a trusted nutritional expert.

For more information on food additives, consider researching resources from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which provides guidelines and regulations on the use of such substances in food products. FDA Food Additives

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of sodium benzoate is to act as a preservative. It prevents the growth of harmful mold, yeast, and bacteria, particularly in acidic foods and beverages, thereby extending their shelf life.

While the FDA classifies it as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) in regulated amounts, concerns exist regarding its potential health effects. When combined with vitamin C, it can form benzene, a carcinogen. Some studies also suggest links to hyperactivity in children, inflammation, and potential allergic reactions.

You can determine if a product contains sodium benzoate by reading the ingredient list on the product label. It will be listed by name or as its European food additive code, E211.

No, certified organic packaged foods and beverages are not permitted to contain synthetic preservatives such as sodium benzoate. This is because organic standards prohibit the use of most synthetic additives.

Yes, sodium benzoate is used in cosmetics, personal care items like mouthwash and body wash, and certain pharmaceuticals, particularly liquid medicines like cough syrup.

Sodium benzoate is commonly found in carbonated soft drinks, bottled fruit juices, and ciders due to their acidic nature. It works effectively as a preservative in these low-pH environments.

When combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and exposed to conditions like heat or light, sodium benzoate can react to form benzene, a substance known to cause cancer. Manufacturers have since worked to reduce or eliminate this risk in many products.