Foods Containing E211 (Sodium Benzoate)
E211 (Sodium Benzoate) is a widely used preservative that stops bacteria and mould in acidic foods — linked to hyperactivity when combined with certain colours. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E211
E211 is used across soft drinks, dried fruit, processed meats, sauces, baked goods and wine. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Fizzy drinks
- Squash and fruit juice drinks
- Pickles
- Sauces and salad dressings
- Jams
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E211 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E211" or as "Sodium Benzoate".
How to spot E211 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: E211" or "preservatives: sodium benzoate". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Sodium Benzoate" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E211?
E211 is approved for use in the EU, UK and US at regulated levels, but some concerns or conditions apply. It was included in the 2007 Southampton study on food additives and hyperactivity in children, and some parents choose to avoid it for that reason. Sulphites are among the 14 major allergens that must be declared on food labels, because they can trigger asthma attacks and allergic-type reactions in sensitive people. For most people, normal dietary exposure to E211 is not considered harmful.
Full guide to E211: 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).