Sodium benzoate (E211) is halal. It is a synthetic preservative — the sodium salt of benzoic acid — with no animal ingredients, used to stop mould and bacteria in soft drinks, sauces and pickles. All schools consider it permissible.
HalalVouch presents evidence and does not issue religious rulings — you decide.
The short version
Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative with no animal source — so it is halal.
What it is
Sodium benzoate (E211) is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, made synthetically. It prevents mould and bacterial growth in acidic foods — soft drinks, salad dressings, sauces and pickles.
Common questions
Is sodium benzoate halal?
Yes — it is a synthetic preservative with no animal ingredients.
Is E211 halal?
Yes — E211 is sodium benzoate.
Sources
Where this answer comes from — check them yourself.
- Africa Check — No, food additives E211 and E224 are halaal, not from pig fatChecked June 28, 2026
- SANHA — E211 (Sodium Benzoate)Checked June 28, 2026
Related questions
We present the evidence we found and when we checked it — we do not issue Islamic rulings. Practices and formulations change, so confirm directly before you rely on this. You decide. How we research these answers.
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