Is e211 sodium benzoate vegan?
E211 sodium benzoate is a vegan food ingredient.
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"You are amazing, this has saved me so much time when grocery shopping!"
— Austin, a user who reached out with feedback
"It's been a great tool since starting my journey! You take a pic of the nutrition/ingredients, and it'll warn you of anything questionable or not vegan. 😁"
— Ashe, a Vegan For Beginners Facebook Group member
"Use a vegan app when you go shopping, I use WhatsVegan."
— Dóra, a Vegan For Beginners Facebook Group member
So, what is e211 sodium benzoate?
E211 is the E-number for sodium benzoate, a widely used chemical preservative and food additive. Industrially, it is produced through the chemical neutralization of benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide. Although benzoic acid occurs naturally in certain fruits such as cranberries, plums, and apples, commercial food-grade sodium benzoate is manufactured synthetically from petrochemical feedstocks, specifically toluene, combined with mineral-derived sodium compounds.
This compound functions as an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast in acidic conditions. It frequently appears on ingredient labels for carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, pickled vegetables, salad dressings, condiments, jams, and various pharmaceutical or cosmetic products.
E211 sodium benzoate is classified as vegan because its production relies entirely on synthetic and mineral origins. No animal tissues, animal-derived substances, or animal processing aids are utilized at any stage of its chemical synthesis. Therefore, it is completely free from animal sources and suitable for individuals following a vegan lifestyle.
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