सोडियम बेंजोएट (Sodium benzoate)

Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, sold as a white, odourless powder or granules. It is one of the most common preservatives in packaged food, where it is listed as INS 211 (E211). In Hindi it is usually just called सोडियम बेंजोएट.

• Formula: C7H5NaO2
• CAS number: 532-32-1
• Molar mass: about 144.1 g/mol
• Solubility: very soluble in water, roughly 63 g per 100 mL at room temperature

It works because, in acidic conditions, part of it turns into benzoic acid, which slows the growth of yeasts and moulds. In neutral products it does very little, which is why you see it in pickles, squashes and ketchup rather than in milk.

Most of our sodium benzoate is labelled Food Grade, meant for home and small-batch food makers who need a known, food-suitable material. We pack it in 100 g, 200 g, 400 g and 800 g. We also list a plain Sodium Benzoate Powder under cosmetic raw ingredients for soap and cosmetic makers.

Check today's price per kg before you choose a pack.

• Food: preservative in acidic foods such as pickles (achaar), fruit squashes and syrups, tomato ketchup, chutneys, jams and soft drinks.
• Cosmetics and personal care: preservative in water-based products like shampoos, face washes, toners and liquid hand soaps, often paired with potassium sorbate.
• Industry: corrosion inhibitor in some coolants and water-based systems, and an ingredient in certain pharmaceutical syrups.

1. Weigh, don't guess. The amounts are small, so use a digital scale that reads to 0.1 g or better. A spoon is not accurate enough.
2. Dissolve it first. Mix the weighed powder in a little water or the liquid part of your recipe, then stir it into the full batch so it spreads evenly.
3. Check the acidity. It works best below about pH 4.5. Vinegar, lemon juice or citric acid in the recipe keeps it effective. A pH strip costs little and settles the question.
4. Food dosage: stay within the limit FSSAI sets for your product category. The limit differs between squash, ketchup, pickle and so on, so look it up on the FSSAI website before you make a batch to sell.
5. Cosmetics: usually added at 0.2 to 0.5% of the total weight, in the water phase, with the final product kept slightly acidic.

Don't combine it with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in drinks that will sit in heat or sunlight. That combination can form small amounts of benzene over time.

• Avoid breathing the dust. A simple dust mask and gloves are enough for home batches.
• If powder gets in your eyes, rinse with plenty of clean water.
• Keep it away from strong acids and strong oxidisers.
• Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place. It picks up moisture and forms lumps if left open in monsoon weather.
• Label the jar clearly so nobody mistakes it for salt or sugar.
• Keep away from children and pets.
• Small leftover amounts can be dissolved in plenty of water and poured down the drain. Ask your local authority about larger quantities.

If anything you make will be eaten, buy the Food Grade packs only. For soaps, shampoos and lotions, the cosmetic listing is fine.

Because you use so little per batch, a 100 g or 200 g pack lasts a home kitchen a long time. Small pickle or squash businesses usually move to the 400 g or 800 g packs, which also work out cheaper per kg. Once opened, a big pack must be kept sealed, or it will lump.

For 25 kg and above, send us a bulk inquiry and we'll quote for regular supply.