Is e202 vegan?

E202 is the European additive code for potassium sorbate, a widely used chemical preservative. Although sorbic acid was originally discovered in the unripe berries of the rowan tree, the potassium sorbate used in modern food manufacturing is produced synthetically. It is commercially prepared by reacting synthetic sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide, resulting in a white, crystalline salt that dissolves easily in water. Food processors add it to inhibit the growth of molds, yeasts, and fungi in items such as baked goods, soft drinks, wine, dried fruits, sauces, and plant-based dairy alternatives.

This additive is classified as vegan because its production relies entirely on synthetic and mineral starting materials. Animal products, animal byproducts, and animal-derived processing aids are not used at any point during its synthesis or purification. Because the raw ingredients and chemical pathways involve no animal inputs, potassium sorbate is consistently vegan.