Digestoa
Additive · Antioxidant

Sodium ascorbate (E301)

Sodium ascorbate (E301) is an antioxidant that Digestoa rates as low concern — it's considered safe at the levels used in food.

Digestoa riskNo known risk
TypeAntioxidant
Found infatty and fried foods, crisps, spreads and packaged baked goods

What is Sodium ascorbate?

Sodium ascorbate (E301) is an antioxidant — used to stop fats and oils going rancid.

Is Sodium ascorbate bad for you?

Sodium ascorbate is permitted in food and Digestoa rates it as low concern. There's no strong evidence it causes harm at the levels typically used in food.

What foods contain Sodium ascorbate?

Fatty and fried foods, crisps, spreads and packaged baked goods.

Digestoa's take

You don't need to avoid Sodium ascorbate. It's one of the more benign things on an ingredients list — worth knowing, not worth worrying about.

Safer swaps

Prefer products preserved with vitamin E (E306) or rosemary extract.

Frequently asked questions

Is E301 the same as Sodium ascorbate?
Yes — E301 is the international additive (E-number) code for Sodium ascorbate.
Is Sodium ascorbate bad for you?
Digestoa rates Sodium ascorbate (E301) as low concern. It's permitted in food and considered safe at normal dietary levels.
What are the side effects of Sodium ascorbate?
No significant side effects are associated with Sodium ascorbate at the levels used in food.
What foods contain Sodium ascorbate?
Fatty and fried foods, crisps, spreads and packaged baked goods.
How can I avoid Sodium ascorbate?
Check the ingredients list for "Sodium ascorbate" or "E301", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related antioxidant additives

BHA (E320)BHT (E321)TBHQ (E319)Ascorbic acid (Vit C) (E300)Tocopherols (Vit E) (E306)Alpha-tocopherol (E307)

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