Preservatives

Is sodium benzoate clean?

No. Our rubric flags sodium benzoate under preservatives (evidence: mixed). Can form benzene with vitamin C in drinks, and was part of the additive mix linked with hyperactivity in children.

Preservatives Mixed

Penalty 10 of 100 · Balanced and Strict profiles

Can form benzene with vitamin C in drinks, and was part of the additive mix linked with hyperactivity in children.

Source: FDA, Data on benzene in soft drinks and other beverages (2006–2007); McCann D et al., The Lancet (2007)

Also on labels as

potassium benzoate, benzoic acid, e211

Low-FODMAP status

Coming soon: whether it is low-FODMAP and at what serving.

Related ingredients

BHA
BHT
TBHQ
Sodium nitrite
Bacon
Sausage
Celery powder
Potassium bromate

From Gutlog's clean ingredient rubric, version 2026.11.0. Ask your assistant "is this clean?" with a photo of the label and Gutlog checks every ingredient. General information, not medical advice.