Sodium benzoate, NaC7H5O2, is a food additive that primarily acts as a preservative. Unlike many other additives, sodium benzoate EDF food grade has no natural equal; it is the chemical combination of benzoic acid and sodium hydroxide. While benzoic acid, which is formed naturally in many plants, is a natural preservative, the addition of sodium hydroxide allows it to easily dissolve during the production of processed foods. Bell Chem, your food ingredient supplier, carries EDF food grade sodium benzoate for foods, beverages, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals.

Sodium benzoate in food

Sodium benzoate has a long history as a food additive. In fact, it was the first preservative the FDA permitted to be used in foods. Widely used in foods and beverages, sodium benzoate is the preservative of choice in pickled and fermented products, jellies and jams, salad dressing and mayonnaise, lemon juice, low- and no-alcohol beer, and carbonated beverages – the latter due to the increasing demand of high-fructose corn syrup. Sodium benzoate has been found to be extremely effective in foods with pH levels below 6.5.

Sodium benzoate in medications

Medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, utilize sodium benzoate EDF food grade as a preservative. Particularly prevalent in liquid medication such as cough syrup, it is also an ingredient added in solid medicines, such as tablets and pills. The addition of sodium benzoate adds a smooth, transparent finish that gives medications an easier time passing through the esophagus and a faster break-down time within the stomach. 

Medically, a physician may recommend an infusion of sodium benzoate to treat dangerously high ammonia levels within the blood. 

Sodium benzoate in cosmetics

Cosmetics also find great uses of sodium benzoate as a preservative. Much like with foods and beverages, the shelf life of cosmetics is extended with the powerful ability of sodium benzoate EDF food grade to repel bacterial and fungal infestations. Hair products, personal disposable wipes, and oral products contain sodium benzoate.

Food ingredient supplier Bell Chem is based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including sodium benzoate EDF food grade. 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.