Sodium benzoate, or NaC7H5O2, is a white or colorless crystalline powder that occurs naturally in small amounts in cinnamon, apples, cranberries, and prunes; for industrial use, sodium benzoate is created by the neutralization of benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide. Generally used as a food preservative, sodium benzoate is both bacteriostatic and fungistatic in conditions with a low pH. Bell Chem, the food ingredient supplier of Central Florida, proudly stocks sodium benzoate for its customers.

Because it works well in acidic conditions, manufacturers turn to sodium benzoate for preserving salad dressings, carbonated drinks, fermented foods such as sauerkraut, fruit juices, jams and jellies with acidic ingredients, pickles, and several condiments including hot sauce.

The pharmaceutical industry finds sodium benzoate an appropriate ingredient for medicines. Urea cycle disorders respond to sodium benzoate since it binds to amino acids so they can be excreted from the body, thereby lowering the overall amount of ammonia in the blood. Hyperammoniemia, or extreme amounts of ammonia in the blood, is another disorder thwarted by sodium benzoate.

Many forms of cosmetics utilize sodium benzoate for its characteristic preservative qualities.

While preserving foods with a low pH is its best-known asset, sodium benzoate has uses in various industries. Give Bell Chem a call today at 407-339-BELL (407-339-2355) to speak with a representative from Florida’s food ingredient supplier about the benefits your company will receive by stocking this important food ingredient. Our blog page has an abundance of information pertaining to chemicals, food ingredients, pharmaceutical grade products, sanitation chemicals, and personal care ingredients.