Potassium Benzoate
Also known as: Potassium salt of benzoic acid
Preservatives
Safety rating
Use Sparingly
Eat Away!Generally SafeUse SparinglyAvoid
Purpose and Function
Potassium benzoate is a food preservative effective in low-pH foods, often chosen over sodium benzoate when a lower sodium content is desired.
Commonly found in
- —Carbonated beverages and fruit juices
- —Salad dressings and other acidic foods
Key functions
- —Inhibits mold, yeast, and bacterial growth in acidic foods
- —Serves as a lower-sodium alternative to sodium benzoate
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- 01Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA
- 02Can form benzene, a known carcinogen, when combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) under heat/light exposure
- 03Rare allergic reactions to benzoates
- 04Some evidence potassium benzoate and similar preservatives may affect gut microbiota, though more research is needed