Sodium Benzoate
Other names E211, E 211
Sodium Benzoate: high in histamine and salicylate. If you're sensitive to any of these, check it against your profile before eating.
Intolerances
- Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)High
Sodium benzoate (E211) is the form on almost every label, and it only works in acid food - which is why you find it in soft drinks, dressings and pickles and never in bread. It is a liberator rather than a source. Same caveat as the family: reactions are far commoner in open diets than under double-blind challenge, so test rather than assume. The Swiss list rates it 2 of 3 and marks it L, its letter for liberators of mast cell mediators — a presumed reason rather than a measurement.
Sources· 4
- Zuberbier et al., EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO urticaria guideline
- Maintz & Novak, Am J Clin Nutr 2007
- EFSA re-evaluation of benzoates, 2016
- SIGHI — Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance, food-compatibility list (2024-08-29), for the L classification and the compatibility rating
- SalicylateHigh
The sodium salt of benzoic acid, and it behaves the same way in the body — a close structural relative of salicylate that sensitive people frequently react to. Very common in soft drinks.
Sources· 1
- Baenkler H-W., Dtsch Arztebl Int 105:8 (2008) 137-142, salicylate intolerance - mechanism, clinical spectrum, diagnosis and treatment
- TyramineNone
- SucroseNone
- FODMAPsNone
- LactoseFODMAPsNone
- OligosaccharidesFODMAPsNone
- SorbitolFODMAPsNone
- FructoseFODMAPsNone
- NickelNone
- OxalatesNone
- GlutenNo
Intolerance levels are based on our documented scientific sources. See sources →
React to Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)? Check these too
More in Additives
- 4-hexylresorcinol
- Acacia gum
- Acetic acid
- Acetic acid esters of mono/diglycerides
- Acetylated distarch phosphate
- Acetylated oxidized starch
- Acetylated starch
- Adipic acid
- Agar-agar
- Alginic acid
- Allura Red AC
- Alpha-tocopherol
Frequently asked questions
Which intolerances does Sodium Benzoate affect?
Sodium Benzoate is notable for histamine and salicylate. Clear on tyramine, sucrose, FODMAPs, lactose, oligosaccharides, sorbitol, fructose, nickel, oxalates and gluten.
Does Sodium Benzoate contain histamine?
Yes — Sodium Benzoate is high in histamine. Sodium benzoate (E211) is the form on almost every label, and it only works in acid food - which is why you find it in soft drinks, dressings and pickles and never in bread. It is a liberator rather than a source. Same caveat as the family: reactions are far commoner in open diets than under double-blind challenge, so test rather than assume. The Swiss list rates it 2 of 3 and marks it L, its letter for liberators of mast cell mediators — a presumed reason rather than a measurement.
Does Sodium Benzoate contain salicylate?
Yes — Sodium Benzoate is high in salicylate. The sodium salt of benzoic acid, and it behaves the same way in the body — a close structural relative of salicylate that sensitive people frequently react to. Very common in soft drinks. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.
Check any product in seconds
Scan a barcode with the Yllo app and see straight away whether a product fits your intolerances.