Benzoic Acid Potassium Salt: What is another name for potassium benzoate?

December 30, 2025 •

2 min read

As a widely used food preservative, potassium benzoate is regularly found on ingredient labels in a variety of beverages and packaged goods. However, this chemical compound also goes by several other important names that are useful for both consumers and manufacturers to understand. This article delves into the various alternative names for potassium benzoate, clarifying its chemical designations and European food additive code.

Quick Summary

Potassium benzoate is also known by its chemical name, benzoic acid potassium salt, and the European food additive code E212. It serves as a preservative, particularly in acidic foods and beverages.

Key Points

Primary Alternative Name: The most accurate chemical name for potassium benzoate is benzoic acid potassium salt.
European Food Additive Code: In the EU, potassium benzoate is identified by the E-number E212 on ingredient lists.
Low Sodium Alternative: Potassium benzoate is often used as a preservative alternative to sodium benzoate to reduce the sodium content of a product.
Preservative Function: The active preservative agent is benzoic acid, which forms from potassium benzoate in acidic foods.
Uses: This preservative is widely used in acidic foods and beverages, such as soft drinks, juices, jams, and pickles.
Regulatory Status: Potassium benzoate is approved and regulated by major food safety authorities like the FDA and EFSA, which consider it safe within specified limits.

Common Names and Identifiers

The most scientifically accurate alternative name for potassium benzoate is benzoic acid potassium salt. This name indicates it is the potassium salt of benzoic acid. Another common name, especially in food production within the European Union, is its food additive code, E212. This number designates potassium benzoate as a preservative. Less common synonyms include Benzoate of Potash, potassium salt of benzenecarboxylic acid, and potassium salt of benzoic acid.

How Potassium Benzoate Works as a Preservative

Potassium benzoate inhibits microbial growth, particularly mold, yeast, and certain bacteria. In acidic conditions (below pH 4.5), it converts to undissociated benzoic acid, which can enter microbial cells and disrupt their metabolism, preventing growth. This makes it effective in acidic products like soft drinks, juices, and pickles.

Why is Potassium Benzoate Used Instead of Sodium Benzoate?

Potassium benzoate is increasingly used as an alternative to sodium benzoate in response to the demand for reduced-sodium products. Both function similarly, but the choice depends on managing the product's mineral content.

Comparison Table: Potassium Benzoate vs. Sodium Benzoate


Feature	Potassium Benzoate	Sodium Benzoate
Mineral Component	Potassium	Sodium
Preservative Action	Inhibits mold, yeast, and bacteria in acidic conditions.	Inhibits mold, yeast, and bacteria in acidic conditions.
Used in Products	For products where low-sodium content is desired.	Common in a wide range of acidic foods and beverages.
E-Number	E212 (EU)	E211 (EU)
Effectiveness	High effectiveness in low pH applications.	High effectiveness in low pH applications.

Regulation and Safety

Potassium benzoate is approved and regulated globally, including in the US and EU. In the US, it's often considered GRAS. Health organizations like WHO and EFSA set ADI levels for safe consumption. While concerns exist about benzene formation when benzoates react with vitamin C in some conditions, the FDA has deemed detected levels safe. Allergic reactions are rare but possible for those sensitive to aspirin.

For more detailed information, consult the Wikipedia page on potassium benzoate.

Conclusion

Potassium benzoate is also known by its chemical name, benzoic acid potassium salt, and the European additive number, E212. These alternative names help identify this common preservative on product labels. Its effectiveness in acidic foods and growing use as a low-sodium option to sodium benzoate highlight its role in food preservation. Regulatory bodies ensure its safe use within established limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The chemical formula for potassium benzoate is C7H5KO2.

No, they are different compounds but serve similar preservative functions. Potassium benzoate is the potassium salt of benzoic acid, while sodium benzoate is the sodium salt. Potassium benzoate is often used as a low-sodium alternative.

E212 is the European food additive number assigned to potassium benzoate, which is used as a preservative to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria.

Potassium benzoate works by converting into benzoic acid in acidic conditions. The benzoic acid then enters microbial cells and inhibits their metabolic activity, preventing spoilage.

You can find potassium benzoate in various acidic food and beverage products, including soft drinks, fruit juices, salad dressings, pickles, and jams. It's also used in some cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Yes, major food safety authorities like the EFSA and WHO consider potassium benzoate safe when consumed within regulatory limits. Some individuals may have sensitivities, but it is generally well-tolerated.

Yes, potassium benzoate is considered vegan. It is a synthetic chemical compound and is not derived from animal products.