What foods contain E219? A Comprehensive Guide to this Food Additive

December 20, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the European consumer organization InfoCons, E219, also known as Sodium Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate, is a vital preservative that extends the shelf life of various foods. So, what foods contain E219? This additive is commonly found in a wide range of processed products, including bakery goods, beverages, sauces, and more, where it functions as an anti-fungal agent.

Quick Summary

E219, or Sodium Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate, is an artificial preservative used to extend the shelf life of products by inhibiting yeast and mold growth in many bakery items, beverages, and sauces.

Key Points

Preservative Function: E219 is primarily used as an antifungal and anti-yeast preservative in many processed foods and drinks.
Commonly Found In: This additive is present in packaged bakery products, soft drinks, fruit juices, and various processed sauces.
Labeling: On food labels, E219 may be listed by its E-number or its full chemical name, Sodium Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate.
Health Considerations: Some individuals report pseudo-allergic reactions to benzoates, and parabens have been linked to very weak endocrine-disrupting effects, though its use is regulated.
Regulatory Status: E219 is generally recognized as safe when used within regulated limits set by food safety authorities such as the FDA and EFSA.
Alternative Preservatives: Other common preservatives like Sodium Benzoate (E211) and Potassium Sorbate (E202) serve similar functions but have different properties and applications.

E219 Explained: What is Sodium Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate?

E219, also called Sodium Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate, is a paraben-based food additive used as a preservative. It's effective against yeasts and molds but less so against bacteria, helping to extend the shelf life of various food products. While synthetic, it's related to benzoic acid, found naturally in some fruits.

Processed Foods and Drinks Containing E219

E219 is used in many foods and drinks, particularly those needing a longer shelf life. Checking the ingredient list is the best way to confirm its presence.

Bakery Products

E219 is added to bakery items to prevent spoilage from mold and yeast. This is common in packaged goods.

Packaged cakes and pastries
Pre-made bread and rolls
Confectionery and snacks
Fillings and creams in baked goods

Beverages

In drinks, E219 helps maintain freshness and prevent microbial growth.

Soft drinks
Fruit juices
Flavoring syrups

Sauces and Seasonings

This preservative is also used in various savory products to enhance shelf stability.

Ready-to-eat meals with sauces
Marinades
Jelly coatings on meat products
Seasoning sauces

Meat and Fish Products

E219 can be present in some processed meat and fish items to inhibit fungal growth.

Meat and fish pastes
Shrimp products

How to Identify E219 on Food Labels

Consumers can identify E219 by checking ingredient lists for 'E219' or 'Sodium Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate'. This is particularly important for the types of products listed above. For more information on food additives, consider resources like InfoCons.

Comparing E219 with Other Common Preservatives

E219 has different properties and uses compared to other preservatives:


Feature	E219 (Sodium Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate)	E211 (Sodium Benzoate)	E202 (Potassium Sorbate)
Purpose	Preservative (primarily antifungal and yeast inhibitor)	Preservative (inhibits bacteria, mold, and yeast)	Preservative (primarily antifungal and yeast inhibitor)
Effectiveness	Broad-spectrum against fungi; less effective on bacteria. Stable across a wide pH range.	Most effective in acidic foods.	Effective against mold and yeast in many foods.
Common Food Uses	Baked goods, beverages, processed sauces, meat pastes.	Soft drinks, salad dressings, pickles, jams, condiments.	Cheese, baked goods, beverages, glace cherries.
Key Characteristic	Part of the paraben family; can cause metallic taste in high concentrations.	Requires an acidic environment to be effective.	Often used in conjunction with other preservatives.

Potential Health Considerations and Regulations

E219, like other food additives, has been studied for safety. While regulatory bodies like EFSA and FDA deem it safe within set limits, some concerns exist. These include rare pseudo-allergic reactions and very weak potential endocrine-disrupting effects, although research is ongoing. Some consumers choose to avoid synthetic preservatives.

Conclusion

E219, or Sodium Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate, is a synthetic paraben preservative primarily targeting mold and yeast in processed foods and drinks such as bakery items, beverages, and sauces. While regulated as safe by authorities like the FDA and EFSA within limits, some potential health concerns, including rare allergic reactions and possible weak endocrine effects, lead some consumers to avoid it. Checking labels for 'E219' or its full name allows consumers to make informed dietary choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

E219 is the E-number for Sodium Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate, a synthetic chemical preservative that belongs to the paraben family. It is used to prevent the growth of yeast and mold in food products.

E219 is commonly found in packaged and mass-produced baked goods such as cakes, pastries, and bread to extend their shelf life and prevent mold.

Yes, E219 is often used in beverages like soft drinks, fruit juices, and syrups to maintain their quality and prevent microbial spoilage.

Yes, E219 is also known as Sodium Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate. Its name may be spelled out on food labels in some countries instead of using the E-number.

While E219 is synthetic, the parent compound benzoic acid is found naturally in many fruits, berries, and some spices like cinnamon and cloves.

According to regulatory bodies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), E219 is considered safe for use within specified limits. However, concerns about its potential health effects, including rare allergies, exist.

E219 is designed primarily to target fungi and yeasts. Other preservatives, such as Sodium Benzoate (E211), are more effective against bacteria and are often used alongside or instead of E219, especially in acidic conditions.

To avoid foods containing E219, read ingredient labels carefully and look for the E-number 'E219' or the full name 'Sodium Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate'. You can also choose products labeled 'preservative-free' or made with natural preservatives.