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Sodium acetate

Sodium acetate suppliers and sourcing guide

Sodium acetate is the sodium salt of acetic acid. It is made by neutralizing acetic acid with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide and crystallizing it as the anhydrous salt or the trihydrate. It is a white, hygroscopic powder or crystal with a mild vinegar taste, used as a buffer and seasoning in snack foods, sauces and meat products, and as part of buffered vinegar and acetate blends.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
sodium ethanoate · E262 · sodium acetate anhydrous · sodium acetate trihydrate
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of sodium acetate

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

  • Anhydrous

    Water-free powder for dry seasonings and snack coatings.

  • Trihydrate

    Crystals carrying three molecules of water, so more material is needed per unit of acetate.

  • Blends with sodium diacetate

    Acetate and diacetate combinations for salt-and-vinegar seasonings and meat products.

  • Fermentation-derived

    Acetate made from vinegar, sold as buffered vinegar where a vinegar label is wanted.

What to check on the COA

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

Assay
Sodium acetate content on a dried basis by titration, against the FCC range.
Water
Loss on drying or Karl Fischer water, which confirms anhydrous or trihydrate form.
pH and alkalinity
pH of a solution and an alkalinity test for free alkali.
Insoluble matter
Water-insoluble matter, a basic purity check.
Lead and heavy metals
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Anhydrous sodium acetate is hygroscopic and cakes if exposed to air, so keep it in tightly sealed packaging in a cool, dry place. The trihydrate can lose water in warm, dry conditions. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the form (anhydrous or trihydrate) for each lot, since the swap changes dose. Use opened bags quickly and rotate FEFO.

Regulatory status

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

  • 21 CFR 184.1721 affirms sodium acetate as GRAS for use as a flavoring agent and adjuvant and pH control agent, with maximum levels by food category such as 0.6 percent for grain products, pastas and snack foods.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials includes sodium acetate for unstandardized foods.

    Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

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.

Sodium acetate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking sodium acetate 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 sodium acetate can brands buy?

Common forms include anhydrous, trihydrate, blends with sodium diacetate and fermentation-derived. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for sodium acetate include?

Expect assay, water, pH and alkalinity, insoluble matter and lead and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should sodium acetate be stored?

Anhydrous sodium acetate is hygroscopic and cakes if exposed to air, so keep it in tightly sealed packaging in a cool, dry place. The trihydrate can lose water in warm, dry conditions. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest for older stock.

What is the regulatory status of sodium acetate?

21 CFR 184.1721 affirms sodium acetate as GRAS for use as a flavoring agent and adjuvant and pH control agent, with maximum levels by food category such as 0.6 percent for grain products, pastas and snack foods. Health Canada's List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials includes sodium acetate for unstandardized foods.

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