Almost every packaged baked good contains some sort of preservative. While many preservatives are created in a manufacturing facility, others are considered natural. How do preservatives work, though? The food ingredient distributor Bell Chem wants you to be informed about the different types of preservatives, how they help protect food and extend shelf life, and which would be best suited for your business. 

Synthetic Chemicals
Synthetic chemicals split into two categories: antimicrobials and antioxidants. Antimicrobials, such as Bell Chem’s potassium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate, are good choices of antimicrobial preservatives that counter yeast, bacterial, and fungal growth in low pH environments. Benzoates and sorbates are traditionally utilized as preservatives in sparkling and carbonates beverages, fruit juices, and high-acid foods, such as canned pickles. Antioxidants remove available oxygen, which is necessary to oxidize fats (primarily mono- and polyunsaturated) and lipids. Antioxidants are generally used on cereal grains, fruits, and vegetables to extend shelf life by preventing spoilage or over-ripening. Bell Chem’s butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a stunning example of a well-known antioxidant. 

Natural Extracts
Natural antimicrobials inhibit the growth of harmful microbes. An example is Bell Chem’s calcium propionate. Because propionic acid naturally occurs in fruits, cheese, and grains, it is considered a natural extract. Calcium propionate is added to bread during manufacturing to prevent “ropy” bread, a bacterial condition that causes bread to lose its structure. Calcium propionate is also a good choice to prevent bread mold. Other examples of natural extracts include vinegar and ascorbic acid. 

Chelating Agents
These sequestrants bind to metals, which are oxidizers. Therefore, chelating agents work with antioxidants as catalysts. Excellent chelating agents include ethylenediamine (EDTA), phosphoric acid, and, as a fantastic natural extract, citric acid. 

Keep your baked goods safe for consumers by adding preservatives to combat microbiological growth and contamination. Bell Chem is a food ingredient distributor based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.