Is Sodium Benzoate (E211) Vegan?

Vegan status: Vegan

E-number: E211

Also known as: Benzoate of soda, Benzoic acid sodium salt

Source

Produced synthetically from toluene (a petroleum derivative) via a chemical process. No animal products are involved.

Commonly found in

Fizzy drinks, fruit juices, pickles, salad dressings, margarines, some medications, cosmetics. A widely used antimicrobial preservative.

Vegan alternative: No substitute needed from a vegan perspective — E211 is vegan.

Notes

Controversial for a different reason: sodium benzoate reacts with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C / E300) in acidic solutions to form benzene, a known carcinogen. This reaction occurs in some soft drinks that contain both. The amounts are typically below regulatory limits but the combination is now avoided by many manufacturers. Vegan but worth noting the chemistry.