What is another name for sodium benzoate? Unpacking the common preservative

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. FDA, sodium benzoate was the first preservative approved for use in foods and is still widely employed. To the informed consumer seeking to minimize their intake of synthetic additives, knowing what is another name for sodium benzoate? can be a critical first step in navigating ingredient lists. This additive is also known by the name 'benzoate of soda' and the European food additive code 'E211'.

Quick Summary

Sodium benzoate, also known as E211 and benzoate of soda, is an antimicrobial preservative widely used in acidic foods to extend shelf life. It has known health risks, such as potentially forming benzene when mixed with vitamin C and linking to hyperactivity.

Key Points

Alternative Names: Sodium benzoate is also known by the names benzoate of soda and E211.
Primary Function: It is an antimicrobial preservative commonly added to acidic foods and beverages to prevent spoilage.
Benzene Risk: When combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and exposed to light or heat, sodium benzoate can form the known carcinogen, benzene.
Associated Health Concerns: Studies have linked high intake of sodium benzoate to potential health issues such as ADHD symptoms, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Mitigating Exposure: Reducing consumption of processed and packaged foods is the most effective way to limit your intake of sodium benzoate and other synthetic preservatives.
Regulatory Status: The FDA recognizes sodium benzoate as 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) when used within the specified limits (0.1% by weight).

The Many Aliases of a Common Preservative

At its core, sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid. While its systematic chemical name can be technical, it is most frequently identified in food products by two simpler designations:

Benzoate of soda: This is a direct, descriptive name for the compound.
E211: As a food additive approved for use in the European Union, it is given the E number E211. This code appears on ingredient lists for many food and cosmetic products.

This preservative is an odorless, crystalline white powder that is highly soluble in water, which makes it easy to incorporate into a wide range of liquid and processed foods. Its primary function is to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, molds, and yeasts, thus preventing spoilage and significantly extending product shelf life.

Where You'll Find Sodium Benzoate

Because it is most effective in acidic conditions, sodium benzoate is added to many products with a naturally low pH. Common examples of foods and beverages where you can find this preservative include:

Beverages: Carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, and diet sodas.
Condiments: Salad dressings, pickles, soy sauce, and barbecue sauce.
Jams and Jellies: The acidic fruit environment is ideal for its preservative properties.
Personal Care Products: Items like mouthwash and some cosmetics, including hair products and baby wipes.
Medicinal Products: It is used as a preservative in some liquid medicines, such as cough syrup.

Nutritional and Health Considerations

For most individuals, the consumption of sodium benzoate within the acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels established by health organizations is not considered a health risk. However, several potential health concerns have been raised by scientific research, particularly regarding high or prolonged intake.

Potential Health Risks vs. Preservative Benefits


Feature	Preservation Benefit	Potential Health Risk	Notes
Shelf Life	Significantly extends the shelf life of processed foods by inhibiting microbial growth.	Enables long-term consumption of processed foods, which are often less nutritious than fresh alternatives.	This is a trade-off between convenience and nutritional quality.
Microbial Control	Prevents the growth of dangerous microorganisms, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses like botulism.	At high levels, some studies suggest it may disrupt beneficial gut microbiota balance.	The effect is largely dependent on dosage and individual gut health.
Benzene Formation	When used alone, it functions as a safe preservative.	Can form benzene, a known carcinogen, when combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and exposed to heat or light.	This risk has led manufacturers to reformulate products, and the FDA has stated that low levels are not a concern.
Neurobehavioral Effects	No direct benefit related to neurobehavioral health.	Some studies have linked high intake of sodium benzoate, particularly in children and college students, with an increased reporting of ADHD symptoms.	These findings warrant more research but suggest a potential concern for sensitive individuals.
Inflammation and Oxidative Stress	N/A	Animal studies indicate potential for increased oxidative stress and inflammation, particularly in the brain.	More human research is needed to understand the implications for long-term health.

How to Reduce Sodium Benzoate in Your Diet

For those who wish to minimize their exposure to food preservatives like sodium benzoate, there are several practical nutritional strategies you can adopt:

Prioritize Fresh, Whole Foods: The most direct way to avoid synthetic preservatives is to eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed meats. For example, choose fresh berries over a fruit-flavored yogurt that contains preservatives.
Read Ingredient Labels Carefully: Learning to identify 'sodium benzoate', 'benzoate of soda', and 'E211' on ingredient lists is crucial for making informed choices.
Check for Vitamin C in Preserved Drinks: If a beverage contains sodium benzoate, check for the presence of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). While companies have reformulated many products to mitigate this risk, being vigilant is still a good practice.
Make Your Own: Creating your own salad dressings, sauces, and pickles at home allows for complete control over the ingredients used.

Conclusion

In summary, sodium benzoate is an effective and common food preservative, also known as benzoate of soda and E211. While widely used and generally considered safe by regulatory bodies within established limits, its use is not without potential health considerations, including the formation of benzene with vitamin C and links to hyperactivity and inflammation. For individuals concerned about their intake of synthetic additives, focusing on a diet rich in fresh, whole foods and diligently checking ingredient lists are the best ways to manage exposure and support overall nutritional health. By staying informed, consumers can weigh the benefits of convenience against the desire for a less-processed diet.

Visit the FDA website for more information on food additives.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary function of sodium benzoate is to inhibit the growth of harmful microbes like bacteria, molds, and yeasts, thereby acting as a preservative to extend the shelf life of food and beverages.

No, benzene formation is a specific concern when sodium benzoate is combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in acidic beverages and then exposed to light or heat.

Yes, E211 is the European food additive code for sodium benzoate. It is a standardized identifier used on ingredient lists for products sold in the European Union.

Some studies have suggested a link between high intake of sodium benzoate and increased hyperactivity or ADHD symptoms in children, although more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Yes, sodium benzoate is also used as a preservative in certain medicines, personal care products like mouthwash, and industrial applications such as engine coolants.

To reduce your intake, focus on eating fresh, unprocessed foods. Also, make it a habit to read ingredient labels and avoid packaged foods and drinks that list sodium benzoate.

While the additive has been subject to increased scrutiny and some companies have reformulated their products, it is generally considered safe and regulated, not banned, by major food safety authorities like the FDA and WHO.