In the ever-growing field of food science, additives play an important role in enhancing flavor, preserving freshness, and ensuring food safety. E262 is an additive that has received much attention as a multifunctional food additive that contributes to freshness preservation and flavor enhancement of various foods. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of E262 food additives, discussing their chemical properties, functions, safety considerations, and their impact on the food industry.
What is E262?
E262 mainly consists of sodium acetate E262(i) and sodium diacetate E262(ii), known by its chemical name sodium acetate. Both are sodium salts of acetic acid, usually white crystalline powder. The chemical formula of E262(i) is NaC2H3O2, the chemical formula of E262(ii) is NaH(C2H3O2)2), and the physical properties are very soluble in water. E262 is widely used in the food industry due to its unique properties that help to enhance the flavor and safety of food. Where E stands for EU standard.
To ensure product quality and transparency, our Sodium Diacetate E262(ii) and Sodium Acetate E262(i) follow strict specifications. The following are the main specifications of sodium diacetate E262(ii) and sodium acetate E262(i) of our company：
| product name | Sodium Diacetate | Sodium Acetate |
| Chemical Formula | C4H7NaO4 | C2H3NaO2 |
| EC Number | E262（ii） | E262（i） |
| Molecular Weight | 142.09 g/mol | 82.03 g/mol |
| Appearance | White,crystalline powder | White, crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water | Soluble in water |
| pH (1% solution) | 3.5 - 5.0 | 7.5 - 9.0 |
| Assay | Min. 97% | Min. 99% |
What is the function of the E262?
E262 has multiple functions in the food and medical industries. Let’s explore its main functions in the food sector.
Flavor Enhancer: E262 acts as a flavor enhancer, giving food a rich and slightly vinegary taste. It adds a pleasant and appetizing flavor profile, improving the overall taste experience.
Acidulant: As an acidulant, E262 helps lower the pH of food. It helps various recipes such as pickles, dressings, and sauces achieve the desired level of acidity.
Buffering agent: Sodium acetate acts as a buffering agent, helping to stabilize the pH and prevent sharp changes in acidity. It ensures consistent product quality and extends the shelf life of processed foods.
Dough Conditioner: In baking applications, E262 helps improve dough texture and elasticity. It promotes better gluten development, making baked goods softer and more uniform.
Applications of E262 in different foods:
Bread: Sodium acetate is used in bread production to improve the dough’s texture, increase volume, and extend shelf life. It acts as a dough conditioner, enhancing gluten development and providing a softer crumb.
Cheese: Sodium acetate is added to cheese as an acidity regulator. It helps control the pH during the cheese-making process, ensuring proper curd formation, enhancing flavor development, and improving the cheese’s texture.
Salad Dressings: Sodium acetate is utilized in salad dressings to provide acidity and enhance flavor. It acts as a pH adjuster, ensuring the desired tartness while stabilizing the emulsion between oil and vinegar.
Pickles: Sodium acetate is a key ingredient in pickling solutions. It helps maintain the desired acidity level, enhances the tangy flavor, and contributes to the preservation of pickled vegetables.
Meat Products: Sodium acetate is used in processed meat products like sausages and deli meats. It functions as a pH regulator, ensuring proper curing and preventing bacterial growth while enhancing the meat’s texture and flavor.
Sauces and Gravies: Sodium acetate is added to sauces and gravies to provide acidity, improve taste, and aid in thickening. It helps stabilize the emulsion and provides a balanced flavor profile.
Snack Foods: Sodium acetate is used in snack foods like chips and pretzels to enhance flavor and act as a pH regulator. It provides a tangy taste and helps prolong shelf life.
Soups and Broths: Sodium acetate is added to soups and broths as an acidity regulator. It helps balance flavors, enhance taste, and contribute to the overall savory profile of the dish.
Beverages: Sodium acetate is used in certain beverages as an acidity regulator. It helps adjust the pH, enhances the tartness, and contributes to the flavor balance in products like fruit juices and carbonated drinks.
Canned Vegetables: Sodium acetate is sometimes added to canned vegetables to help preserve their texture and taste. It acts as an acidity regulator, maintaining the desired pH level and preventing spoilage.
Frozen Desserts: Sodium acetate is utilized in frozen desserts like ice cream to control freezing point depression and improve texture. It helps prevent ice crystallization, resulting in a smoother and creamier product.
Baked Goods: Sodium acetate is incorporated into baked goods like cakes and pastries to enhance their texture, increase volume, and improve shelf life. It acts as a pH regulator and dough conditioner.
Instant Noodles: Sodium acetate is used in the seasoning packets of instant noodles to enhance the flavor and provide a tangy taste. It contributes to the overall savory profile of the dish.
Processed Potatoes: Sodium acetate is added to processed potato products like french fries and potato chips. It helps enhance the flavor, improve texture, and prolong shelf life.
Condiments: Sodium acetate is found in various condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. It acts as an acidity regulator, contributing to the desired tangy taste and stability of the products.
In these foods, sodium acetate plays a crucial role in providing acidity, enhancing flavors, improving texture, adjusting pH levels, stabilizing emulsions, and extending shelf life.
Is E262 safe to use?
Yes, E262, also known as sodium acetate, is considered safe to use as a food additive. It has been approved by regulatory authorities, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), for use in food products.
Conclusion
E262, or sodium acetate, is a multifunctional food additive that enhances flavor and helps preserve a variety of foods. Its intense flavor and freshness-preserving properties make it an ideal choice for food manufacturers striving to provide a pleasurable gourmet experience while ensuring food safety. E262 can play an active role in the food industry, providing consumers with enjoyable and safe food choices.
For further inquiries or to explore the benefits of E262 in food formulations, please contact us at [email protected]. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality additives to meet your specific needs and enhance your culinary creations.
