What soft drinks contain sodium benzoate?: Decoding Preservatives and Your Nutrition Diet

October 5, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sodium benzoate is a preservative generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in foods and beverages at concentrations up to 0.1%. However, for those mindful of their nutrition diet, the question remains: what soft drinks contain sodium benzoate, and what are the implications of consuming it regularly? This additive, used for its antimicrobial properties, can be found in a wide array of acidic products on store shelves.

Quick Summary

Many carbonated and fruit-flavored beverages include sodium benzoate to prevent spoilage from microbes. However, its presence, particularly when mixed with vitamin C and exposed to heat or light, poses a risk of forming benzene, a known carcinogen, especially in diet drinks. Consumers should check ingredient lists to make informed decisions about their health.

Key Points

Common Brands: Soft drinks like Sprite, Fanta, and some Pepsi products commonly contain sodium benzoate, particularly older formulations or certain flavors.
Benzene Risk: When combined with vitamin C (ascorbic acid), sodium benzoate can form carcinogenic benzene, especially when exposed to heat and light.
Diet Beverages Susceptibility: Diet sodas, particularly fruit-flavored ones, are more susceptible to benzene formation under certain conditions than their sugary counterparts.
Health Concerns: Beyond benzene, sodium benzoate has been linked to increased ADHD symptoms, inflammation, and allergic reactions in some studies, requiring more research.
Consumer Action: Reading ingredient labels, choosing alternative preservatives like potassium sorbate, and storing beverages away from heat and light are effective strategies for reducing risk.
FDA Status: Sodium benzoate is currently classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in foods and beverages at concentrations up to 0.1%.

The Function of Sodium Benzoate in Beverages

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid, commonly used as a preservative to extend the shelf life of many packaged foods and beverages. Its primary function is to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, yeasts, and molds, which thrive in acidic environments. This makes it particularly effective in sodas, fruit juices, and other acidic drinks. Food manufacturers favor it because it is cost-effective and highly soluble in water, ensuring easy integration into their products.

For sodium benzoate to be active, it must exist in its acidic form, benzoic acid. This is why it is most effective in beverages with a low pH, typically below 4.5. The compound disrupts the cellular processes of microbes, preventing them from producing energy and ultimately stopping their growth.

Common Soft Drinks That Contain Sodium Benzoate

Numerous brands across the beverage industry have used or continue to use sodium benzoate in their formulations. Its use is not exclusive to one type of soft drink but is prevalent in many carbonated and fruit-flavored varieties. Some well-known examples include:

Sprite: A popular lemon-lime soda, Sprite lists sodium benzoate as a preservative alongside citric acid.
Fanta: The Fanta range of fruit-flavored sodas has also been identified as containing sodium benzoate.
Some Pepsi Products: While some of PepsiCo's more popular diet sodas use potassium benzoate, certain carbonated versions of Pepsi have included sodium benzoate.
Certain 7UP Varieties: Specific flavored 7UP drinks, like Shirley Temple, list sodium benzoate as an ingredient.
Mountain Dew (some versions): Diet versions of Mountain Dew and other citrus-flavored sodas have previously used this preservative, particularly those formulated before companies phased it out due to benzene concerns.
Fruit Juices and Sports Drinks: Beyond carbonated sodas, many other acidic beverages, including some fruit juices and sports drinks, may contain this preservative.

It is important for consumers to read the ingredient label, as formulations can change over time. Some companies have actively reformulated their products, particularly diet and fruit-flavored options, to remove the combination of sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid.

Potential Health Implications and Concerns

While regulatory bodies like the FDA classify sodium benzoate as safe, its consumption has raised specific health concerns, particularly when it interacts with other substances under certain conditions. One of the most significant issues is its potential to form benzene, a known carcinogen.

Benzene Formation

When sodium benzoate is combined with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in an acidic environment, they can react to form benzene, especially when exposed to heat or light. This reaction is more pronounced in fruit-flavored diet beverages, as the sugar in regular sodas can inhibit its formation. In the mid-2000s, this issue prompted the FDA to work with manufacturers to reformulate products, and those that contained benzene above the safe drinking water limit were addressed. However, the risk, though minimal according to the FDA, remains a point of consideration for consumers and researchers.

Other Potential Effects

Research has linked sodium benzoate to other potential health effects, though more study is needed:

ADHD: Some studies have indicated a possible link between high consumption of beverages with sodium benzoate and an increase in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, particularly in children.
Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Animal and test-tube studies suggest that sodium benzoate could trigger inflammatory pathways and increase oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is linked to cellular damage and chronic disease.
Allergic Reactions: A small percentage of the population may be sensitive to sodium benzoate and experience allergic reactions such as hives, asthma, or itching.

Navigating Your Nutrition and Diet Choices

For those seeking to limit or avoid sodium benzoate, making informed choices is key. Reading labels, understanding the conditions under which it poses a risk, and exploring alternatives can help manage dietary intake of this preservative.

Comparison of Beverage Preservatives


Feature	Sodium Benzoate	Potassium Sorbate	Citric Acid
Antimicrobial Action	Broad-spectrum, effective against bacteria, yeasts, and molds.	Effective against yeasts and molds, moderate against bacteria.	Preservative effect comes from inhibiting microbial growth through acidity.
Effectiveness pH	Primarily effective in acidic conditions (below pH 4.5).	More effective at slightly higher pH ranges (up to pH 6.5) than sodium benzoate.	Effective in acidic environments, and naturally occurring in citrus fruits.
Benzene Risk with Vit C	Yes, risk of forming benzene in combination with vitamin C.	No, does not react with vitamin C to form benzene.	No, does not react to form benzene.
Common Use	Carbonated drinks, fruit juices, condiments.	Wines, fruit juices, some soft drinks, and dairy products.	Soft drinks, fruit juices, candies, and as a flavor enhancer.
Sensory Impact	Can have a bitter taste, especially in low-sugar beverages.	Generally flavor-neutral at effective concentrations.	Adds a natural tartness or sour flavor.

Tips for Reducing Sodium Benzoate Intake

Check Ingredient Labels: Always read the ingredient list for both "sodium benzoate" and "ascorbic acid" or "vitamin C." If both are present, the beverage has a potential for benzene formation, especially if mishandled.
Choose Alternatives: Many beverage manufacturers use alternative preservatives like potassium sorbate or natural options such as rosemary extract, buffered vinegar, or fermented sugar derivatives. Look for "clean-label" beverages that emphasize natural preservation methods.
Minimize Heat and Light Exposure: If you do consume beverages containing the combination of sodium benzoate and vitamin C, store them in a cool, dark place. Avoid leaving them in a hot car or in direct sunlight.
Opt for Fresh Options: Choosing fresh, homemade juices or water with natural flavor infusions (e.g., sliced lemon and cucumber) is the most effective way to avoid all preservatives.

Conclusion

In the context of a balanced nutrition diet, knowing what soft drinks contain sodium benzoate allows consumers to make informed choices. While regulatory bodies consider it safe within certain limits, potential health concerns, particularly the formation of carcinogenic benzene under specific conditions, underscore the importance of label awareness. By being mindful of the ingredients and storage conditions of their beverages, consumers can effectively manage their intake of this preservative and prioritize their long-term health.

Visit the FDA website for more information on food additives.

Frequently Asked Questions

The FDA considers sodium benzoate safe for consumption in foods and beverages at concentrations up to 0.1%. However, concerns exist regarding its interaction with vitamin C to form benzene, particularly under specific conditions of heat and light exposure.

Benzene can form in soft drinks that contain both sodium benzoate and vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The risk is elevated by exposure to heat and light, and it is more common in fruit-flavored diet beverages.

You should be most cautious about fruit-flavored soft drinks, diet sodas, and juices that list both sodium benzoate and vitamin C or ascorbic acid on the label. Always check the ingredient list, as formulations can change.

Common alternatives include potassium sorbate, citric acid, and natural extracts like rosemary. Some brands have already switched to these alternatives to avoid the benzene risk associated with sodium benzoate and vitamin C.

Yes, some studies have linked the consumption of beverages with sodium benzoate to an increase in ADHD symptoms in children, though more research is ongoing. Some food safety advocates recommend that parents minimize children's intake of products containing this preservative.

Yes, exposing soft drinks containing both sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid to heat, such as in a hot car, can accelerate the chemical reaction that forms carcinogenic benzene. It is best to store such beverages in a cool, dark place.

You can find out if a soft drink contains sodium benzoate by reading the ingredient label. Look for "sodium benzoate" or the European food additive code "E211".