Ingredient · Updated
Potassium Benzoate
Found in 4 products
What is Potassium Benzoate?
Potassium Benzoate is a chemical preservative, commonly used to prevent the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria in food and beverages. It is the potassium salt of benzoic acid and is typically used in acidic foods such as soft drinks and fruit juices.
This preservative is favored for its effectiveness in inhibiting microbial growth without significantly altering the taste, color, or aroma of a product. The safety of potassium benzoate at approved levels is generally recognized, although it can form benzene, a known carcinogen, when combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) under certain conditions. The risk is considered low when used as directed.
When reading labels, note that potassium benzoate will usually appear in sodas, fruit-flavored drinks, and other acidic food products. It's approved for use by food safety authorities but should be consumed in moderation due to its potential to form benzene.
Commonly found in: Soft drinks, Fruit juices, Salad dressings, Condiments, Jellies, Pickled products
What to watch
- May form benzene when combined with ascorbic acid in certain conditions.
- Regulated to ensure levels do not reach unsafe thresholds in foods.
Benefits
- Effectively prevents growth of yeasts and molds in product formulations.
Approved by the FDA for use as a preservative in food and beverages, provided it is used within prescribed limits.
Research shows that potassium benzoate can form benzene in combination with vitamin C, though the occurrence is rare when used properly.
Potassium benzoate is a synthetically produced compound, making it suitable for vegan diets.
Sources: Food Additive Status List
Scout's take
Potassium benzoate is a preservative used to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life. It can form benzene, a carcinogen, when combined with vitamin C under certain conditions. Its use is controversial due to potential health risks associated with benzene formation.
The case against
Potential formation of benzene, a known carcinogen, when combined with vitamin C.
from the analysis of Splash Blast SPLASH WATER BEVERAGE · echoed in 2 other analysesThe case for
Effectively preserves the product by inhibiting microbial growth.
from the analysis of Bubbl r Lemon Lime Antioxidant Sparkling Water with a Boost of Caffeine CanExtends shelf life by preventing spoilage.
from the analysis of Bloom Energy Drink Peach Mango - 12.0 fl ozMore from Scout's analyses
Potassium benzoate is a preservative that prevents microbial growth in acidic foods and beverages. It can form benzene, a carcinogen, when combined with vitamin C under certain conditions. Its safety is often debated due to potential health risks.
from the analysis of Splash Blast SPLASH WATER BEVERAGEPotassium benzoate is a preservative used to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. It can form benzene, a carcinogen, when combined with vitamin C under certain conditions. Its use is limited due to potential health concerns.
from the analysis of Bubbl r Lemon Lime Antioxidant Sparkling Water with a Boost of Caffeine CanChemical preservative — same benzene concerns as sodium benzoate when combined with citric acid present in the formula.
from the analysis of Bloom Sparkling Energy DrinkAll 4 products with Potassium Benzoate
Where Potassium Benzoate shows up
- Energy Drinks 3 products
- Hydration 1 product
Higher-scoring picks without Potassium Benzoate
Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Potassium Benzoate, scoring 80 or above.
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