Potassium Sorbate
Quick Summary
- Category: Food Additives · Sourcing Origin: China · Form: Powder or Granule · Standard Pack Size: 25 kg
- INS 202 — the potassium salt of sorbic acid; one of the most widely used food preservatives globally
- JECFA ADI: 25 mg/kg body weight per day (expressed as sorbic acid)
- Effective against moulds, yeasts, and some bacteria; most effective at pH below 6.5
What Is Potassium Sorbate?
Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid (a naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acid originally found in rowan berries). As a food preservative, it inhibits the growth of moulds, yeasts, and certain bacteria by disrupting cellular enzymatic processes and membrane function. It is highly water-soluble (unlike sorbic acid itself), making it the preferred commercial form for use in aqueous food systems. It is effective primarily at pH levels below 6.5, as higher pH reduces the proportion of undissociated sorbic acid — the antimicrobially active form.
Specification & Form
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Form | White granule or powder |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water |
| Effective pH range | Most effective below pH 6.5 |
| INS number | 202 |
| Standard pack size | 25 kg |
| Sourcing origin | China |
How It's Sourced
YNP Ingredients sources Potassium Sorbate from certified manufacturers in China, supplied with FSSAI-compliant documentation.
Applications
- Beverages (juices, soft drinks, functional beverages)
- Bakery products (bread, cakes, mould inhibition)
- Dairy products and cheese
- Fermented products and sauces
- Dietary supplements in liquid or semi-liquid formats
Industries Served
Functional Food/Beverage · Bakery & Confectionery · Dairy · Nutraceuticals (liquid forms)
Buyer Checklist
- Confirmed target product's pH — potassium sorbate efficacy decreases significantly above pH 6.5
- Use level confirmed against FSSAI and applicable market regulations for the specific product category
- COA confirming purity and microbiological parameters
- FSSAI-compliant documentation and 25 kg pack confirmed
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Glossary Terms
Related Downloads
References
Company Information
- YNP Ingredients, Potassium Sorbate product page, ynpingredients.com (China sourcing, 25 kg, FSSAI documentation)
Industry Information
- Codex Alimentarius. GSFA — INS 202, Potassium sorbate.
- JECFA. *Sorbic acid and potassium sorbate — Compendium of Food Additive Specifications.* ADI: 25 mg/kg bw/day as sorbic acid.