Is Sodium Benzoate Safe During Pregnancy?
The facts: Sodium Benzoate is restricted in European Union (ADI 0–5 mg/kg/day; required on label; warning label in combination with certain artificial dyes), United Kingdom, Russia (lower maximum levels), though the FDA still allows it in the US. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Sodium Benzoate on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Diet Coke and Coca-Cola (certain varieties), Some Pepsi products, Dr Pepper.
TL;DR: Sodium Benzoate is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
Sodium Benzoate: regulatory status at a glance
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | — |
| Where it shows up | Diet Coke and Coca-Cola (certain varieties), Some Pepsi products, Dr Pepper, Snapple (certain flavors), Fruit juices (commercial), Relish |
What is Sodium Benzoate?
Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid (C7H5NaO2). In acidic foods and beverages, it converts to benzoic acid, which inhibits microbial growth. While benzoic acid occurs naturally in some fruits and spices at low levels, the commercial preservative is synthetically manufactured.
Why is Sodium Benzoate used in food?
Sodium benzoate is an effective and inexpensive antimicrobial preservative in acidic products (pH <4.5), preventing growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. Used in carbonated drinks, fruit juices, sauces, condiments, and pickled products typically below 0.1% (1000 ppm).
What regulators have flagged about Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate's most significant documented concern is the benzene formation reaction. When sodium benzoate coexists with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in acidic conditions, they react in the presence of metal ions (iron, copper) and UV light to produce benzene, an IARC Group 1 human carcinogen. FDA surveys in 2005-2007 found benzene exceeding the EPA drinking water standard (5 ppb) in 79 of 200 commercial beverages tested. This triggered voluntary reformulations across the beverage industry. The 2007 McCann et al. Lancet study showed that the combination of sodium benzoate with six artificial food dyes significantly increased hyperactivity in children — the effect was synergistic, with the combination producing greater behavioral effects than either ingredient alone. This finding led directly to the EU's mandatory warning label requirement for products combining sodium benzoate with specified dyes. A 2010 study in ADHD: Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders found associations between urinary sodium benzoate/hippuric acid metabolite levels and ADHD symptom severity in children, independent of dye exposure. A 2019 study in Nutrients (PMC6520673) found similar associations in Korean children. Mitochondrial DNA damage: Dr. Peter Piper at the University of Sheffield found that sodium benzoate at concentrations used in some beverages could damage mitochondrial DNA in yeast cells, potentially affecting mitochondrial function. These findings have not been fully replicated in human tissue studies. Hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, angioedema, and contact dermatitis are documented. Cross-reactivity with aspirin has been reported in aspirin-sensitive individuals.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Sodium Benzoate with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy-conscious swaps free from Sodium Benzoate →
Audited products that don't contain Sodium Benzoate.
As an Amazon Associate, BannedPantry earns from qualifying purchases. This never influences our ratings — see Affiliate Disclosure.
Sodium Benzoate and pregnancy: common questions
Is Sodium Benzoate banned anywhere?
Yes. Sodium Benzoate is restricted in European Union (ADI 0–5 mg/kg/day; required on label; warning label in combination with certain artificial dyes), United Kingdom, Russia (lower maximum levels). The FDA still allows it in the US.
Should I avoid Sodium Benzoate during pregnancy?
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
What foods contain Sodium Benzoate?
Commonly found in Diet Coke and Coca-Cola (certain varieties), Some Pepsi products, Dr Pepper, Snapple (certain flavors), Fruit juices (commercial), Relish. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Sodium Benzoate.
What can I use instead of Sodium Benzoate?
Potassium sorbate, citric acid at reduced pH, rosemary extract, and natural fermentation-based preservation can replace sodium benzoate. HPP (high-pressure processing) extends shelf life without chemical preservatives. Products avoiding sod See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Sodium Benzoate or other ingredients restricted overseas.
Scan a product free →Other ingredients to check during pregnancy
Sources
- McCann et al. (2007) Food colors and hyperactivity, The Lancet — The Lancet
- FDA Survey of Benzene in Beverages — FDA
- EFSA Scientific Opinion on Sodium Benzoate (E 211) 2016 — EFSA
- Sodium benzoate and ADHD in Korean children (Nutrients 2019, PMC6520673) — NIH/PMC
- EWG on Sodium Benzoate — EWG
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/10/2026.