Is E211 halal?

What is E211?

Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid. Industry makes benzoic acid by oxidising toluene, a petrochemical, and then neutralises it with sodium hydroxide. It works best against yeasts and moulds in acidic foods and drinks.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

It is produced from petrochemical raw materials and a mineral base, so there is no animal source and no alcohol in its manufacture. That is why it is generally treated as halal. Benzoic acid also occurs naturally in some berries, but commercial supply is synthetic.

How to check the label

No special check is needed. On labels it appears as “preservative: sodium benzoate” or E211. Read the rest of the ingredient list as you normally would.

Where you'll find it

• soft drinks
• pickles
• salad dressings
• sauces

Good to know

• EFSA's 2016 re-evaluation set a group acceptable daily intake of 5 mg per kg of body weight per day, expressed as benzoic acid, for E210–E213.
• The US FDA notes that benzene can form at very low levels in drinks that contain both benzoates and ascorbic acid, especially with heat and light.

Similar additives

• E200 Sorbic acid Generally halal
• E202 Potassium sorbate Generally halal
• E220 Sulphur dioxide Generally halal
• E250 Sodium nitrite Generally halal
• E260 Acetic acid Generally halal
• E282 Calcium propionate Generally halal

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. EFSA re-evaluation of benzoic acid and benzoates (E 210–213) (2016)
2. US FDA: questions and answers on benzene in soft drinks

Frequently asked questions