What Products Contain Sodium Metabisulfite?

January 10, 2026 •

2 min read

Sodium metabisulfite, also known as E223, is a common synthetic food preservative and antioxidant used widely across various industries for its ability to prevent spoilage and oxidation. This versatile chemical is found in a surprising range of consumer goods, from food and drink to industrial products.

Quick Summary

A broad range of products, including dried fruits, wine, beer, baked goods, cosmetics, and certain pharmaceuticals, contain sodium metabisulfite for preservation and antioxidant effects.

Key Points

Food Preservation: Sodium metabisulfite (E223) is a food additive used to prevent oxidation and inhibit microbial growth in products like dried fruits, wine, and canned vegetables.
Winemaking and Brewing: It is an essential agent in alcoholic beverage production, serving as an antioxidant and antimicrobial to stabilize and preserve the quality of wine and beer.
Cosmetic Ingredient: Found in hair dyes, sunscreens, and skin lighteners, where it functions as a preservative and antioxidant to protect product formulas.
Pharmaceutical Use: Included as an excipient in some injectable drugs, like epinephrine, and tablets to prevent oxidation of the medication.
Industrial Applications: Utilized in water treatment for dechlorination, in photography as a developer component, and in textiles as a bleaching agent.
Sulfite Sensitivity: Individuals with asthma or sulfite sensitivities should be aware of its presence, as it can cause allergic or respiratory reactions.

Food and Beverages

Wine and Beer

Sodium metabisulfite is a critical additive in the wine and beer industries, primarily used as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent to inhibit unwanted microbial growth and prevent oxidation. It helps preserve the beverage's color, aroma, and flavor. A solution of sodium metabisulfite is also used as a sanitizing agent for brewing and winemaking equipment.

Dried and Canned Goods

To extend shelf life and maintain appearance, sodium metabisulfite is added to dried and canned products to prevent enzymatic browning. It is often found in:

Dried fruits such as apricots and raisins.
Canned fruits and vegetables like potatoes.
Bottled lemon and lime juice.
Maraschino cherries.

Processed Snacks, Juices, and Seafood

Sodium metabisulfite is also used in processed items. It acts as a dough conditioner in baked goods, prevents browning and fermentation in juices, helps maintain freshness in snacks like potato chips, and prevents black spots in seafood, particularly shrimp.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Hair and Skin Products

The antioxidant properties of sodium metabisulfite are used in cosmetics to protect formulations. It can be found in:

Hair Dyes and Shampoos.
Hair Straightening Treatments.
Skin Lighteners and Sunscreens.
Self-Tanning Products.

Pharmaceuticals

Injections, Creams, and Tablets

In the medical field, sodium metabisulfite prevents oxidation of active ingredients, especially oxygen-sensitive ones. Its presence must be listed on labels.

Injectable Medications, such as epinephrine and local anesthetics.
Medicated Creams, including some steroid and antifungal creams.
Tablets, as an excipient in some medications like paracetamol.

Industrial and Other Applications

Sodium metabisulfite has several industrial uses:

Photography, as a reducing agent in developing solutions.
Water Treatment, to remove excess chlorine.
Cleaning and Bleaching, used in textiles and rust removers.
Agriculture, in concentrated formulas for tree stump removal.

Comparison of Sodium Metabisulfite Applications


Product Category	Primary Use	Example Products
Food & Beverage	Preservative, Antioxidant	Dried fruits, wine, beer, canned potatoes, fruit juices, crackers
Cosmetics	Preservative, Antioxidant	Shampoos, hair dyes, sunscreens, skin lighteners
Pharmaceuticals	Preservative	Injectable epinephrine, local anesthetics, some creams
Industrial	Dechlorination, Reducer	Water treatment solutions, photographic developers
Household	Remover, Cleaner	Tree stump remover, rust-stain remover

Conclusion

Sodium metabisulfite is a versatile compound used in numerous industries for its preservative and antioxidant qualities. While generally safe, individuals with sulfite sensitivities or asthma may experience adverse reactions. Checking ingredient labels for 'contains sulfites' or 'E223' is important for those sensitive. Its ability to prevent spoilage and oxidation is key to extending the shelf life and quality of many products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, when used within regulated limits, food-grade sodium metabisulfite is generally considered safe. However, people with sulfite sensitivity, especially those with asthma, can experience adverse reactions and should limit their intake.

For those with sensitivity, exposure to sulfites can trigger asthma-like symptoms, including wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, skin rashes, and hives. In rare cases, it can cause a severe allergic reaction.

In many countries, including the U.S. and E.U., food products containing sulfites above 10 parts per million must be labeled as 'Contains Sulfites'. It may also be listed by its full name or as the food additive code E223.

In winemaking and brewing, sodium metabisulfite acts as a preservative and antioxidant. It inhibits the growth of unwanted wild yeast and bacteria and prevents oxidation, which helps to preserve the color, flavor, and overall quality of the beverage.

No, it is not used in meat products, particularly fresh meat, as it is known to destroy vitamin B1 (thiamine). Its use is restricted in many countries for this reason.

In cosmetics, it functions as a preservative to prevent microbial growth and as an antioxidant to protect formulas from degradation caused by oxygen. This helps maintain the product's effectiveness and appearance.

Yes, some individuals may experience contact dermatitis or other allergic skin reactions when they come into contact with personal care products containing sodium metabisulfite, such as certain hair dyes or creams.

In photographic film development, sodium metabisulfite acts as a reducing agent in developing solutions. It helps to preserve other chemicals in the solution from rapid oxidation, ensuring consistent results.