Uses of Potassium Sorbate

Potassium sorbate is a common food, personal care product and wine additive. It serves to inhibit the growth of unwanted microorganisms and extend the shelf lives of commercial foods and products.

Identification

• Potassium sorbate is salt from the chemical sorbic acid. It's prepared in a laboratory by reaction when sorbic acid and potassium hydroxide are mixed together. It comes in the form of white crystals, which are often ground into a fine powder.

How is Potassium Sorbate Used?

• Potassium sorbate inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, fungi and other microorganisms in the products in which it is applied. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting carbohydrate metabolism in yeast and microorganisms, thus preventing growth of these organisms. Sorbic acid is also indigestible by mold and fungi, making the products that it is applied to become unusable as energy sources that are required for mold, fungi or yeast growth to occur.

Foods

• Potassium sorbate is used in many foods to increase shelf life and inhibit the growth of mold and fungi. Cheeses, yogurt, apple cider, fruit juices, cured meats and baked goods are common food items that have potassium sorbate added to preserve freshness.

Wine

• When added during the wine-making process, potassium sorbate turns back into sorbic acid via chemical reaction. After wine has surpassed its active fermenting time, potassium sorbate can be added to assure that any yeast that may have survived will be unable to reproduce, preserving the proper flavor and texture of the wine.

  Because some varietals of wine are sweetened before bottling, potassium sorbate--along with potassium metabisulfite--is added to prevent re-fermentation, which could occur as sugars are added to the wine.

Personal Care Products

• Potassium sorbate is also used to retard the growth of molds, fungi and yeast in a variety of personal care products. Cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners, body lotions and herbal supplements are common places to find added potassium sorbate.

Toxicity

• Potassium sorbate is well-tolerated, and allergic reactions are rare in the vast majority of the population. It has a longstanding record of being safe and non-toxic to humans. It is metabolized readily by the body and is not stored in body tissues.