Ingredient
Sodium Acetate
What is Sodium Acetate?
Sodium acetate is a sodium salt of acetic acid, commonly made by reacting acetic acid with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide. It is a white, crystalline powder that is easily dissolved in water.
This ingredient is used in the food industry as a preservative and pH buffer. It helps in food preservation by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi. In addition to food products, it's also used in heating pads, as it releases heat when dissolved. Health-wise, sodium acetate is generally considered safe, although excessive sodium intake from all sources can contribute to heart-related issues.
When reading labels, sodium acetate is categorized as a food additive and is deemed safe for consumption by various food safety authorities. However, its presence might contribute to the overall sodium content of the product.
Commonly found in: snack foods, baked goods, condiments, dressings, packaged meals, seasonings
What to watch
- Excessive sodium intake from all sources can contribute to high blood pressure.
Sodium acetate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA for use in foods.
Most studies suggest that sodium acetate is safe as a food additive when consumed in typical amounts.
Sodium acetate is not derived from animal sources, making it suitable for vegan diets.
Sources: Food Additive Status List
Scout's take
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Found in 2 products
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