Last reviewed May 2026 · 1 min read
Is Potassium Sorbate (E202) vegan?
Also known as: E202, Potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate, Sorbistat-K
E-number: E202
Vegan
Suitable for a vegan diet.
Yes — Potassium sorbate is produced by neutralizing synthetically-made sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide.
01 · The basics
What is Potassium Sorbate (E202)?
The potassium salt of sorbic acid, widely used as a food preservative because it is highly soluble in water. It inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and other microorganisms.
02 · The source
Where it comes from
Potassium sorbate is produced by neutralizing synthetically-made sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide. This is a purely chemical process with no animal inputs.
Frequently asked
FAQ
Is potassium sorbate (E202) suitable for vegans?
Yes, potassium sorbate is vegan. It is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, both of which are produced synthetically without any animal-derived substances.
Why is potassium sorbate used in wine?
In winemaking, potassium sorbate is often added before bottling to inhibit yeast and prevent re-fermentation of any remaining sugar. This stabilizes the wine and maintains its desired sweetness level.
Are sorbic acid and potassium sorbate the same thing?
They are closely related but not identical. Potassium sorbate (E202) is the potassium salt of sorbic acid (E200) and is often preferred in food production due to its higher solubility in water.
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