Foods Containing E200 (Sorbic Acid)
E200 (Sorbic Acid) is a preservative that stops mould and yeast growth — one of the safest and most studied additives. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E200
E200 is used across soft drinks, dried fruit, processed meats, sauces, baked goods and wine. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Cheese
- Wine
- Dried fruit
- Baked goods
- Dips and sauces
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E200 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E200" or as "Sorbic Acid".
How to spot E200 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "preservatives: E200" or "preservatives: sorbic acid". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Sorbic Acid" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E200?
E200 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E200.
Full guide to E200: safety, vegan and halal status →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).