Benzoic acid and benzoates (E210 to E213)
No concern
These preservatives keep acidic food and drink from spoiling. The acid is built in a laboratory, and each number is that same acid paired with a different mineral salt.
E210 — Benzoic acid
A preservative for acidic foods and drinks.
Why it raises no question. It is made in a laboratory from petrochemical feedstock, with no animal input.
Where you meet it. Soft drinks, pickles, sauces, fruit preparations.
E211 — Sodium benzoate
The sodium salt of benzoic acid, the common form in drinks.
Why it raises no question. Both halves are synthetic: the acid from petrochemistry, the sodium from a mineral salt.
Where you meet it. Fizzy drinks, salad dressings, jams, sauces.
E212 — Potassium benzoate
The potassium version of the same preservative.
Why it raises no question. Manufactured the same way as E211, with a mineral potassium salt in place of sodium.
Where you meet it. Soft drinks, syrups, pickles.
E213 — Calcium benzoate
The calcium form of benzoate.
Why it raises no question. Same synthetic acid, paired with mineral calcium.
Where you meet it. Drinks, sauces, preserved vegetables.
What to do in the shop
Nothing special to do for E210 itself. Read the rest of the list: a product is only as clear as its least clear ingredient.
Questions people ask
Is E210 halal?
E210 (Benzoic acid) — No concern. It is made in a laboratory from petrochemical feedstock, with no animal input.
Is E211 halal?
E211 (Sodium benzoate) — No concern. Both halves are synthetic: the acid from petrochemistry, the sodium from a mineral salt.
Is E212 halal?
E212 (Potassium benzoate) — No concern. Manufactured the same way as E211, with a mineral potassium salt in place of sodium.
Is E213 halal?
E213 (Calcium benzoate) — No concern. Same synthetic acid, paired with mineral calcium.
Related additives
Check a product, not just a number
An additive's status describes the additive in general. What matters is the whole ingredient list on the packet in your hand.