E316 – Sodium erythorbate
AntioxidantsDescription
White to slightly yellowish crystalline powder
Notes
Sodium erythorbate is simply the sodium salt version of erythorbic acid (E315). It's created by combining erythorbic acid with sodium, which makes it more stable and easier to dissolve in water-based food products. This process results in a white to slightly yellowish crystalline powder that food manufacturers find very convenient to work with in their production processes. Like its parent compound, sodium erythorbate serves as an antioxidant in foods, preventing spoilage and maintaining color and flavor. It's particularly popular in the meat industry, where you'll find it in hot dogs, lunch meats, bacon, and other cured products. It's also used in frozen foods, pickled vegetables, and some dairy products. The sodium version is often preferred over regular erythorbic acid because it dissolves more readily in the brines and solutions used in food processing. This additive is synthetic and suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. However, people following low-sodium diets should be aware that it does contribute a small amount of sodium to foods, though typically much less than regular table salt. Like erythorbic acid, it doesn't provide vitamin C benefits to your body despite being chemically related to ascorbic acid.