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Potassium benzoate

Potassium benzoate suppliers and sourcing guide

Potassium benzoate is the potassium salt of benzoic acid, made by neutralizing benzoic acid with potassium hydroxide or carbonate, then drying the product. It is a white, water-soluble powder or granule. Beverage and food brands use it as a preservative in acidic products, often where they want to avoid adding sodium, and it is also sold for personal care.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Benzoic acid potassium salt · E212 · CAS 582-25-2
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of potassium benzoate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Granular

    Free-flowing granules that dissolve quickly in syrups and beverage bases.

  • Powder

    Fine powder for dry blends.

  • Food grade (FCC)

    Material tested to the Food Chemicals Codex, the usual grade for foods and beverages.

  • Solution

    Pre-dissolved potassium benzoate for metered dosing in beverage plants.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (titration)
Potassium benzoate content on a dry basis, usually 99 percent or more.
Loss on drying
Moisture content, which affects how much benzoate each kilogram delivers.
Alkalinity or acidity
A check for excess base or free benzoic acid.
Chlorinated compounds
Limit test for chlorinated organics carried from the benzoic acid route.
Readily oxidizable substances
A Food Chemicals Codex purity test.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic and other metals by ICP-MS or ICP-OES against the supplier's specification or the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) limits.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store potassium benzoate sealed in lined bags or drums in a cool, dry area; it is hygroscopic and cakes in humid air. Keep away from strong acids. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of assay and moisture for aged stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record assay and moisture for each lot, since water content changes how much benzoate each kilogram delivers. Rotate stock first-expiring first.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Potassium benzoate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking potassium benzoate suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of potassium benzoate can brands buy?

Common forms include granular, powder, food grade (FCC) and solution. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for potassium benzoate include?

Expect assay (titration), loss on drying, alkalinity or acidity, chlorinated compounds, readily oxidizable substances and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should potassium benzoate be stored?

Store potassium benzoate sealed in lined bags or drums in a cool, dry area; it is hygroscopic and cakes in humid air. Keep away from strong acids. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of assay and moisture for aged stock.

What is the regulatory status of potassium benzoate?

FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists potassium benzoate with the technical effect "antimicrobial agent". Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes potassium benzoate.

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