Potassium sorbate
Potassium sorbate suppliers and sourcing guide
Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. It is made by neutralizing synthetic sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide and drying the product to granules, pellets or powder. It is far more water-soluble than sorbic acid, so it is the usual sorbate for drinks, syrups, fillings, wine, cheese and personal care products, where it inhibits yeasts and molds in mildly acidic products.
- Also known as
- potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate · E202 · sorbic acid potassium salt
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of potassium sorbate
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Granular
The most common form; free-flowing granules that dissolve readily in water.
Pellets or extruded
Low-dust cylinders or beads for plants that want less airborne powder.
Powder
Fine powder for dry blends and dusting.
Solution
Pre-dissolved potassium sorbate for liquid dosing.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Assay
- Potassium sorbate content on a dried basis by titration or HPLC, against FCC or supplier limits.
- Identity
- UV or IR spectrum compared with a reference standard.
- Loss on drying
- Moisture content.
- Aldehydes
- Aldehyde limit test (as formaldehyde), a standard purity check for sorbates.
- Acidity or alkalinity
- A titration that shows whether the salt is properly neutralized.
- Lead and heavy metals
- Lead and other metals by ICP-MS.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Sorbates can slowly oxidize and discolor when exposed to air, light and heat, so keep potassium sorbate in sealed, lined packaging in a cool, dry, dark place. Solutions should be kept closed and used within the supplier's stated period. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest for older stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Record form and assay for each lot, and check color, since yellowing is a sign of aging. Rotate FEFO.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.3640 lists potassium sorbate as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 101.22(j) requires a food with an added chemical preservative to declare the ingredient's common or usual name and a separate description of its function.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes potassium sorbate.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Potassium sorbate suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking potassium sorbate suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell potassium sorbate? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of potassium sorbate can brands buy?
Common forms include granular, pellets or extruded, powder and solution. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for potassium sorbate include?
Expect assay, identity, loss on drying, aldehydes, acidity or alkalinity and lead and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should potassium sorbate be stored?
Sorbates can slowly oxidize and discolor when exposed to air, light and heat, so keep potassium sorbate in sealed, lined packaging in a cool, dry, dark place. Solutions should be kept closed and used within the supplier's stated period. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest for older stock.
What is the regulatory status of potassium sorbate?
21 CFR 182.3640 lists potassium sorbate as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. 21 CFR 101.22(j) requires a food with an added chemical preservative to declare the ingredient's common or usual name and a separate description of its function. Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes potassium sorbate.
More acids, preservatives and leavening
- Citric acid2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid · E330
- Malic acidDL-malic acid · L-malic acid
- Lactic acid2-hydroxypropanoic acid · L(+)-lactic acid
- Tartaric acidL-(+)-tartaric acid · 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid
- Fumaric acidtrans-butenedioic acid · E297
- Acetic acidethanoic acid · glacial acetic acid
- Phosphoric acidorthophosphoric acid · E338
- Glucono-delta-lactoneGDL · glucono delta-lactone
- Adipic acidhexanedioic acid · 1,4-butanedicarboxylic acid
- Sodium citratetrisodium citrate · trisodium citrate dihydrate
- Sodium lactatesodium 2-hydroxypropanoate · E325
- Sodium acetatesodium ethanoate · E262
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