Exploring the Uses of Sodium Acetate in Food Preservation

Sodium acetate is compounded from sodium salt and acetic acid with the formula CH3COONa (or NaC2H3O2). Because both salt and bases play an important role in food preservation, sodium acetate packs a double punch. Food additive supplier Bell Chem presents the following information on food preservation with sodium acetate.

Good flavor, little odor

Sodium acetate imparts a salty taste to foods, which is to be expected since it contains sodium. However, its odor is close to discernible when added as an ingredient, giving the foods in which they are an ingredient a more recognizable odor. The flavor is positive for taste as well as preservation; salt has been recognized as a food preservative for millennia. 

pH adjustment

Many foods may waver on the acidic side of the pH scale, which can lead to problems in processing, taste, and/or stability. The addition of a buffer such as sodium acetate will stabilize the pH into the correct range for the food or beverage in which it is an ingredient.

Bacteria prevention

Foods and beverages with bacterial cultivation have extremely short shelf lives. Sodium acetate prevents the formation of bacteria and other microorganisms on edibles. In fact, sodium acetate has proven vital for the prevention of bacteria such as dihydrogen sulfate populations, Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, and Pseudomonas species.

Good value for your money

Sodium acetate is an inexpensive answer to extending shelf life. Studies have proven the addition of this ingredient extends shelf life 4-7 days longer than products not containing sodium acetate because it disturbs both the enzymatic and chemical reactions that lead to microbial growth. 

Bell Chem is a food additive supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including sodium acetate. 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.