E-number  · E200

E200 — Sorbic Acid

Antifungal preservative. Synthetic in modern production. Vegan.

The entry Reference notes, kept short.

What it is

E200 (sorbic acid) is a natural-identical preservative, originally extracted from rowan berries; commercial production today is synthetic from ketene and crotonaldehyde.

Why it matters

Widely used in cheese, baked goods, dried fruit, soft drinks, and wine to inhibit moulds and yeasts.

What to do

Always vegan. The related potassium and calcium sorbates (E202, E203) are also vegan.

Sources Where the entry is drawn from.
  • Vegan Society additives database