Sodium propionate

Sodium propionate (CAS 137-40-6), also known by its food additive designation E281, is the sodium salt of propionic acid used commercially as a preservative and pH buffering agent.

Where is Sodium propionate used?

• Food: E281 suppresses mold in bread, cakes, and pastries, extending retail shelf life without affecting flavor
• Animal feed: antifungal agent in compound feeds and grain storage to prevent spoilage during transport and storage
• Pharmaceutical: buffering agent and preservative in topical preparations and oral dosage forms
• Ophthalmic solutions and personal care products
• In personal care it functions as a preservative booster in creams, lotions, and rinse-off products where low-pH stability is required.
• Used in cheese production to inhibit mold growth on the surface.
• Acts as an antimicrobial agent in salad dressings, sauces, and condiments.
• Used in pharmacy, usually in combination with calcium propionate, for the treatment of skin fungal infections.

Good to know: Anhydrous form offers shelf-life extension in moisture-sensitive formulations. Granulated forms are preferred where dust control matters in feed and industrial handling.

Formulation notes

• Generally preferred in chemically leavened baked goods because the calcium ions of calcium propionate interact with chemical leavening agents.

Typical specification

• A 1 in 10 solution must have a pH between 7.5 and 10.5.
• Must contain not more than 50 mg/kg iron.
• The minimum inhibitory concentration was 0.01% at pH 5.0 and 0.5% at pH 6.5.

Regulatory status

• Use as a food additive is approved in Europe.
• Not regulated for transport under IMDG (non-hazardous).
• Categorized as GRAS by the US FDA.

Storage, packaging and handling

• In the food sector, can be used in cake preservation at a dosage of 2.5 g/kg (based on propionic acid).

Frequently asked questions about Sodium propionate

Is a low-heavy-metal granulate grade available?

A low-heavy-metal granulate grade is available with approximately 24% sodium.

Can sodium propionate be included in canned and packaged food formulations?

It can be included in the formulation of canned and packaged food products to prevent microbial contamination, especially in acidic foods prone to mold.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.