Food Additive Suppliers

Food Additive Grade Sodium Propionate (E281) | High Purity Preservative

Aug 26, 2026

 

1. Product Overview

Sodium Propionate  is a high-efficiency, safe food-grade preservative and mold inhibitor widely approved for global food manufacturing. As the sodium salt of propionic acid, it appears as white crystalline powder or granules with excellent water solubility and stable chemical properties. Different from common preservatives, sodium propionate features selective antibacterial and antifungal activity—it strongly inhibits mold, fungi and spoilage bacteria while posing negligible suppression on yeast activity, making it perfectly compatible with fermented food production processes.
This product complies with GB25549, FCC, EFSA and FDA GRAS standards, with no limited ADI specified by JECFA, ensuring high safety for long-term food application. It is a mainstream preservative ingredient adopted by food factories worldwide to extend product shelf life and avoid microbial spoilage.

2. Product Specifications

Item
Specification Standard
CAS Number
137-40-6
Molecular Formula
C₃H₅NaO₂
Appearance
White crystalline powder / granules
Purity (Assay)
≥99.0%
Loss on Drying
≤1.0%
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)
7.5–10.5
Heavy Metals (Pb)
≤10 ppm
Arsenic (As)
≤2 ppm
Solubility
Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol
E Number
E281

3. Core Advantages

  • Excellent Water Solubility: Dissolves rapidly and uniformly in water-based food systems, far superior to calcium propionate in liquid product application, no agglomeration, easy for automatic batching and industrial production.
  • Unique Selective Antimicrobial Property: Effectively inhibits mold and spoilage bacteria to prevent food deterioration, with minimal impact on yeast fermentation. It does not affect the proofing and taste of bread, buns and other fermented foods.
  • Stable Antiseptic Performance: Works stably and efficiently in the pH range of 5.0–6.5, matching the pH environment of most bakery and dairy products. No peculiar odor or flavor interference occurs under standard dosage.
  • Global Safety Certification: Approved by FDA (GRAS), EFSA, JECFA and compliant with international food safety standards. It supports sales and market access in Europe, America, Southeast Asia and other global regions.
  • Strong Compatibility: Can be compounded with calcium propionate, potassium sorbate and other preservatives to produce synergistic effects, significantly improving antiseptic and mold-proof efficiency and reducing single dosage.

4. Wide Applications

Sodium propionate is a versatile food preservative, widely used in various high-moisture and fermented food industries:
  • Bakery Products: Bread, buns, cakes, pastries, pizza dough and other baked goods, effectively preventing mold growth and extending shelf life without affecting fermentation.
  • Dairy Products: Processed cheese, cheese spreads and other dairy foods, inhibiting surface mold contamination and maintaining product freshness.
  • Condiments & Liquid Foods: Soy sauce, vinegar, pickles, sauces and liquid fillings, ideal for high-moisture liquid systems that require high uniformity of preservatives.
  • Confectionery & Fillings: Puddings, jams, pie fillings and gelatin products to avoid microbial spoilage during storage.
  • Other Fields: Applicable to processed meat products, and customizable feed-grade sodium propionate is available for feed mold inhibition upon request.

5. Packaging & Storage

  • Packaging: Standard 25kg kraft paper bag with inner PE waterproof liner; customized packaging specifications are supported.
  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, ventilated warehouse, keep tightly sealed. Avoid direct sunlight, high temperature and humid environment to prevent deliquescence and caking.
  • Shelf Life: 24 months under standard storage conditions.

6. FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between sodium propionate and calcium propionate?
A: Sodium propionate has better water solubility, which is more suitable for liquid foods such as sauces and vinegar. Calcium propionate is more suitable for dry baked goods and can supplement calcium elements. Customers can select according to product formula and sodium content control requirements.
Q2: Is food-grade sodium propionate safe for food production?
A: Absolutely safe. It is certified as GRAS by FDA and approved by EFSA and JECFA. No limited ADI is set, and it is safe for long-term use within the regulatory dosage range.
Q3: Will it affect yeast fermentation in bread making?
A: It has extremely low inhibition on yeast. Standard dosage will not affect dough fermentation and rising; only excessive dosage will slightly slow down fermentation speed.
Q4: Can it be mixed with other preservatives?
A: Yes. It can be compounded with potassium sorbate and calcium propionate for synergistic preservation. It is recommended to conduct compatibility tests before mass production.
Q5: Why does sodium propionate cake easily?
A: The product is deliquescent. It will absorb moisture and agglomerate when exposed to humid air. Please keep the package sealed after opening and use it up as soon as possible.

7. Our Service

We are a professional manufacturer and supplier of food-grade sodium propionate. We provide stable high-purity products, complete certification documents (COA, MSDS, food safety certificate, origin certificate) and customized solutions. Free samples are available for your testing. Welcome global customers to inquire and establish long-term cooperative relationships.
 Food Additives Grade Sodium Propionate

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