Food & beverage
Preservative against moulds and yeasts in beverages, baked goods, cheese and wine.
Ingredients / Preservatives / Potassium Sorbate
Preservatives
Potassium Sorbate (E 202)
Potassium sorbate for U.S. manufacturers, from vetted producers. FCC / USP grade on request. Download the sample spec sheet, then send us your grade and quantity.
TRACED · CERTIFIED · RELIABLE · TRANSPARENT · TESTED
Key facts
| CAS No. | 24634-61-5 |
|---|---|
| E-number (EU) | E 202 |
| Synonyms | Potassium sorbate, Potassium (E,E)-2,4-hexadienoate, Potassium salt of trans, trans 2,4-hexadienoic acid |
| Chemical formula | C6H7O2K |
| Molecular weight | 150,22 |
| Description | White crystalline powder or granules showing no change in colour after heating for 90 minutes at 105 °C |
| Grades | EU Reg. 231/2012 (E 202) sample spec · FCC / USP available on request for U.S. food/pharma use |
| Origin | Confirmed in every offer; stated per lot on the COA |
| Storage, shelf life, packaging | Per the producer's specification, on request |
What potassium sorbate is
Chemical name: Potassium sorbate. Formula C6H7O2K, molecular weight 150,22. White crystalline powder or granules showing no change in colour after heating for 90 minutes at 105 °C. (Source: EU Regulation 231/2012, E 202.)
Applications by industry
Sample specification
Values from EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 202), consolidated text of 18.08.2026. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the COA for your lot are available on request.
| Assay | Content not less than 99 % on the dried basis |
|---|---|
| Loss on drying | Not more than 1,0 % (105 °C, 3 hours) |
| Acidity or alkalinity | Not more than about 1,0 % (as sorbic acid or K2CO3) |
| Aldehydes | Not more than 0,1 %, calculated as formaldehyde |
| Arsenic | Not more than 0,1 mg/kg |
| Lead | Not more than 0,1 mg/kg |
| Mercury | Not more than 0,01 mg/kg |
| Zinc | Not more than 0,1 mg/kg |
Download the full spec sheet (PDF)
Documents and sourcing
Droplet promise. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
Data sheet, SDS and COA on request. Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot.
Questions buyers ask
What is potassium sorbate used for?
Typical uses by industry. Food & beverage: Preservative against moulds and yeasts in beverages, baked goods, cheese and wine. Suitability for your product and market is confirmed with the producer's specification.
Which grades can McBoeck supply?
Food grade to EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 202). FCC / USP grade is available on request for U.S. food and pharma use. Particle size and other grade details follow the producer's specification, on request.
Which documents come with potassium sorbate?
Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request.
What does the sample spec sheet show?
Limits for assay, loss on drying, acidity or alkalinity, aldehydes, arsenic, lead, mercury and zinc, taken from EU Regulation 231/2012. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the lot COA are available on request.
How do I get a quote?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location through the quote form or at [email protected]. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
Related preservatives
Benzoic AcidCalcium AcetateCalcium PropionateDimethyl Dicarbonate (DMDC)All preservatives
Need potassium sorbate?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location. Email [email protected] or call +1 (713) 766-6811.