Is Sodium Benzoate (E211) Halal?

Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, made synthetically from toluene-derived benzoic acid and sodium hydroxide. It contains no animal material and MUIS lists it as halal. It is one of the most common preservatives in soft drinks, sauces and pickles.

Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and is the most widely used form of benzoate preservative. It is highly soluble in water and most effective in acidic foods (pH below 4.5).

• soft drinks
• fruit juices
• salad dressings
• condiments
• jams
• pickles

• E211 on its own is not a reason to avoid a product.
• The finished product still needs its other ingredients checked — look for a halal certification logo (MUIS, JAKIM, MUI, HMC or similar) when in doubt.
• Halal status here follows the MUIS food additive listing; rulings can differ between certification bodies.

potassium sorbate (E202), benzoic acid (E210), potassium benzoate (E212)

E211 (Sodium Benzoate) is halal for Muslims according to the MUIS food additive listing. Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and is the most widely used form of benzoate preservative.

Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and is the most widely used form of benzoate preservative. It is highly soluble in water and most effective in acidic foods (pH below 4.5).

E211 is commonly found in soft drinks, fruit juices, salad dressings, condiments, jams, and pickles.