Digestoa
Additive · Preservative

Sodium benzoate (E211)

Sodium benzoate (E211) is a preservative that Digestoa flags as moderate risk. Common concerns include hyperactivity (with colours).

Digestoa riskModerate risk
TypePreservative
Found inSoft drinks, fruit juices, pickles, sauces, salad dressings and condiments.
ConcernsHyperactivity (with colours) · Benzene formation with vitamin C

What is Sodium benzoate?

Sodium benzoate is a preservative that stops mould and yeast. Combined with vitamin C it can form trace amounts of benzene.

Is Sodium benzoate bad for you?

Digestoa flags Sodium benzoate as moderate risk. Regulators permit it, but safety reviews and studies have raised concerns including hyperactivity (with colours), benzene formation with vitamin c. How often you eat it matters more than a single exposure.

What foods contain Sodium benzoate?

Soft drinks, fruit juices, pickles, sauces, salad dressings and condiments..

Digestoa's take

You don't need to panic over a single product that contains Sodium benzoate. But it's a useful flag: when you see E211 on a label it often signals a more processed product, and there's usually a cleaner alternative.

Safer swaps

Choose drinks preserved without benzoates, or naturally acidic products.

Frequently asked questions

Is E211 the same as Sodium benzoate?
Yes — E211 is the international additive (E-number) code for Sodium benzoate.
Is Sodium benzoate bad for you?
Digestoa flags Sodium benzoate (E211) as moderate risk. It's permitted in food, but it's associated with concerns such as hyperactivity (with colours).
What are the side effects of Sodium benzoate?
Reported concerns include: Hyperactivity (with colours); Benzene formation with vitamin C.
What foods contain Sodium benzoate?
Soft drinks, fruit juices, pickles, sauces, salad dressings and condiments..
How can I avoid Sodium benzoate?
Check the ingredients list for "Sodium benzoate" or "E211", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related preservative additives

Potassium nitrite (E249)Sodium nitrite (E250)Sodium nitrate (E251)Potassium nitrate (E252)Benzoic acid (E210)Potassium benzoate (E212)

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.