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Sodium benzoate

Sodium benzoate suppliers and sourcing guide

Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid. It is made by neutralizing benzoic acid, which is produced mainly by oxidizing toluene, with sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate. It is a white, water-soluble powder, granule or extruded pellet used in acidic drinks, syrups, sauces, pickles and personal care products to inhibit yeasts, molds and some bacteria.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
benzoate of soda · E211 · benzoic acid sodium salt
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of sodium benzoate

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

  • Powder

    Fine powder for dry blends and quick dissolving.

  • Granular

    Free-flowing granules with less dust.

  • Extruded pellets or beads

    Low-dust forms for plants that dose by hand.

  • USP/NF grade

    Sodium benzoate made to compendial specifications for supplements and pharmaceutical-style products.

What to check on the COA

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

Assay
Sodium benzoate content on a dried basis by titration, against FCC or USP limits.
Loss on drying
Moisture content.
Acidity or alkalinity
A titration that shows whether the salt is properly neutralized.
Chlorinated compounds
Limit test for chlorinated organic impurities from some benzoic acid processes.
Lead and heavy metals
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Sodium benzoate is stable but can cake in humidity, so keep it in sealed bags in a cool, dry place. Fine powders form dust, so handle them with dust control. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record form and assay for each lot and rotate FEFO. If a product also contains ascorbic acid, note benzoate lot and dose in the batch record so any later benzene testing can be traced.

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.

Sodium benzoate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking sodium 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 sodium benzoate can brands buy?

Common forms include powder, granular, extruded pellets or beads and uSP/NF grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for sodium benzoate include?

Expect assay, loss on drying, acidity or alkalinity, chlorinated compounds and lead and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should sodium benzoate be stored?

Sodium benzoate is stable but can cake in humidity, so keep it in sealed bags in a cool, dry place. Fine powders form dust, so handle them with dust control. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest for older stock.

What is the regulatory status of sodium benzoate?

21 CFR 184.1733 affirms sodium benzoate as GRAS for use as an antimicrobial agent and flavoring agent, and notes that current usage results in a maximum level of 0.1 percent in food. Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes sodium benzoate. 21 CFR 101.22(j) requires a food with an added chemical preservative to declare the ingredient's common or usual name and a separate description of its function.

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