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Ingredient · Preservative

Sodium Benzoate

Mixed · 5/10, higher is cleaner

E-number E211

How we reached this

Common in acidic beverages. With ascorbic acid can form benzene (carcinogen) under heat/light; modern formulas mitigate.

Sources · 1

Regulatory position

European Unionpermitted
United StatesGRAS

Also listed as

E211Sodium Benzoate (cosmetic)

Products containing this · 15

About this rating

Ratings run 1–10, higher is cleaner, and are set editorially against the sources above — see the methodology page for how an ingredient rating becomes part of a product score. Last reviewed 2026-05-22.