Two Common Preservatives: Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate

Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are two of the most common preservatives in many industries, particularly food. These preservatives are used to extend the shelf life of the products by slowing down the growth of harmful microorganisms. Have you ever thought about what makes these two preservatives so common? Are there any similarities and what are the differences between them?

What is Potassium Sorbate Preservative?

Potassium sorbate preservative is a white powder which appears in the form of crystals or granules. It is derived from sorbic acid and is a potassium salt. This water-soluble substance is used primarily for its ability to slow down bacteria, mold, and yeast from growing in food products which makes it a highly suitable food preservative. Being an acidic preservative potassium sorbate functions best when the foods to which it is added have a pH below 5. However, if the pH rises to between 5 to 6 the substance still works quite effectively.

Applications of Potassium Sorbate

Potassium sorbate uses extend to a wide range of food products including the following:

• In baked goods using potassium sorbate is common for preventing the growth of mold and yeast which leads to increased shelf life of the products.
• In dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, among others, potassium sorbate plays a critical role in limiting the growth of mold.
• Beverages such as wine carbonated drinks juices and others rely on potassium sorbate in order to maintain freshness for a long period of time.
• In condiments such as sauces, dips, and seasonings, potassium sorbate is used for preventing the growth of harmful bacteria which helps preserve the shelf life of the products.
• Potassium sorbate is also used in meat products in order to prevent them from spoiling and to maintain their quality for a long period of time.

Challenges With Potassium Sorbate

While potassium sorbate is a highly effective food preservative it can lead to potassium sorbate danger when consumed in excessive amounts. For example, high consumption of potassium sorbate can lead to irritation to the gastrointestinal mucosa and cause excessive burden on the gastrointestinal tract. In the long term it can impact the body’s capability to absorb vitamins and minerals which can lead to significant damage.

What is Sodium Benzoate Preservative?

Sodium benzoate preservative is a compound which is derived from benzoic acid and is a sodium salt. This is also a water-soluble compound which is found in the form of a crystalline powder which is white. Sodium benzoate is highly effective in limiting the growth of bacteria and yeast, however, it is not as effective in slowing down the growth of mold as potassium sorbate. Sodium benzoate is an acidic preservative that works best when the pH of the food stays within the range of 2.5 to 4.0. If the foods have a higher pH the preservative quality of sodium benzoate dampens significantly.

Applications of Sodium Benzoate

Sodium benzoate uses and applications extend to a wide array of industries, However, within the food industry it is used for the following food products:

• In soft drinks and beverages such as sodas, fruit juices, and sparkling drinks sodium benzoate is used for its ability to enhance acidity and retain flavor for a long period.
• Sodium benzoate also prevents foods such as jams and jellies from fermentation which if left unchecked can cause these products to spoil.
• For pickles, sauces, ketchup, mustard and other similar products sodium benzoate is used to preserve their quality and extend their shelf life.

Apart from these applications sodium benzoate helps in the preservation of a range of liquid medicines as well, playing a vital role in the pharmaceuticals industry.

Challenges With Sodium Benzoate

Despite being a very commonly used food preservative, sodium benzoate has its own limitations and challenges. For instance, sodium benzoate can only be used in foods which have a certain pH level. Moreover, it cannot be used in meats because of the pH range as well as the potential reaction it can have with certain proteins and other elements. Sodium benzoate has also been a controversial preservative in recent years because of its relatively higher toxicology index.

Excessive intake can lead to sodium benzoate e211 side effects such as metabolic disorders and liver damage. However, although there have been speculations about it being carcinogenic, it is not in itself carcinogenic, but when consumed, vitamin C and sodium benzoate can react and create benzene which is a known carcinogen.

Similarities between potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate

Both sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are used widely for their preservative properties. What makes them so popular are there many similarities of these products for wide-scale applications, in addition to the ability to be produced in bulk quantities. The following are some of the core similarities between the two compounds:

• Both potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are white-colored powders.
• Both the compounds are largely odorless. However, potassium sorbate can emit a slight odor and sodium benzoate can emit a very slightly recognizable benzoin smell.
• Both potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate can be easily dissolved in water.
• In terms of application, both sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate can be used in a variety of food products such as candied fruit, candies, seasonings, or condiments and beverages. Apart from these products both of these have their unique individual applications as well.

Conclusion

In the consideration of which is better between potassium sorbate vs sodium benzoate, it ultimately comes down to the kind of products for which the preservatives are required. It is also essential to choose a good supplier when you plan to buy sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate. It is vital to check the credibility of the supplier to ensure you get the best quality product. Mondstar, a China-based global supplier of food additives, stands out as a reliable partner, supplying high-quality preservatives, aligned with the guidelines and standards issued by global food standards controlling authorities.

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1. Preservatives- Ensuring Food Safety and Freshness
2. Potassium Sorbate Buying Guide