E301: Sodium Ascorbate
Main role: oxidation control
Also listed as: sodium L-ascorbate
What is E301 (Sodium Ascorbate)?
Sodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid, the compound known as vitamin C. In food it can act as an antioxidant, helping control oxidation and color changes. A salt form changes formulation properties compared with adding ascorbic acid directly.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is oxidation control. An antioxidant additive helps manage oxidation within the food, such as changes in fat, flavor, or color. That technical role is separate from claims that eating the ingredient will provide a particular health benefit.
Food and formulation examples
- Processed meat formulations
- Beverage preparations
- Other antioxidant food applications
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E301, E 301, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include sodium L-ascorbate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
E301 is not sodium erythorbate E316. The two may perform related technological roles, but sodium erythorbate should not be assumed to provide the same vitamin C value.
Is E301 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E301 as Sodium ascorbate. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.