E202 - Potassium sorbate
By the Daat team · Updated October 30, 2026
E202, potassium sorbate, is one of the most common preservatives on the shelf. It stops mould and yeast.
It is the salt of sorbic acid (E200), and it dissolves easily in water, which makes it easier to use. In Daat’s catalog it is the third most common additive of all.
We found it most in salads, dips and sauces, then in cheese. If a tub of hummus or salad lasts weeks in the fridge, there is a good chance this is why.
1,631 products in our catalog contain E202, or 9.7% of those with an ingredient list. Most of them are sauces, spreads and salads and cheese.
E202 at a glance
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Potassium sorbate |
| Also listed as | sorbate |
| Function | Preservative |
| Origin | Plant, mineral or synthetic |
| Vegan / vegetarian | Yes / Yes |
Is E202 vegan?
Yes. E202 has no animal source, so it suits both vegans and vegetarians.