Sodium Benzoate is a food-grade preservative used to help prevent the growth of yeast, mould, and certain bacteria in acidic foods and beverages. Widely used throughout the food and beverage industry, it helps extend shelf life and maintain product quality when used at appropriate rates.

In winemaking, cider making, and beverage production, Sodium Benzoate is commonly used when residual sweetness is desired. Once the beverage has been stabilized, Sodium Benzoate can help prevent spoilage organisms from growing during storage. It is particularly effective in products with a lower pH, making it suitable for wines, ciders, fruit beverages, syrups, and soft drinks.

Outside of beverage production, Sodium Benzoate is frequently used in jams, jellies, sauces, condiments, fruit preparations, and other acidic food products where extended shelf life is important. Because it dissolves readily in water and has very little flavour impact at normal usage rates, it is easy to incorporate into a wide variety of recipes.

Typical usage is often around 0.05% to 0.1% by weight, equal to approximately 0.5 g to 1 g per litre. For a 23 L batch, that works out to roughly 11.5 g to 23 g total, depending on the application and desired level of preservation. Always confirm the appropriate rate for your specific product and intended use.

It’s important to understand that Sodium Benzoate is a preservative, not a sanitizer. It will not stop an active process or correct a contaminated product. Instead, it helps protect properly prepared foods and beverages from spoilage during storage.

For best results, dissolve Sodium Benzoate thoroughly before adding, mix well, and use only in acidic products where it is effective. Usage rates vary depending on acidity, product type, storage conditions, and local regulations – we cannot confirm suitability for any particular purpose.

Whether you’re producing sweet cider, preserving homemade fruit products, or formulating beverages, Sodium Benzoate is a versatile tool for improving product stability and extending freshness.