What are preservatives and their types?

In the food industry, chemical preservatives are essential to ensure that products reach consumers with quality and safety. Without them, many foods would spoil quickly, causing company and customer losses. There are two types of food preservatives: natural and synthetic. While natural preservatives are more common in everyday use, synthetic ones are employed in specific food categories.

Preservatives extend the shelf life of foods, protecting them from the harmful effects of fungi and bacteria. This technique isn’t new; preservation methods have existed for centuries, as seen with charcuterie, cheese, and milk.

In the market, both preservative types share similar classifications but differ in function. They can be categorized as follows:

Types of Preservatives:

Antimicrobial Preservatives: These inhibit the growth of microorganisms that could compromise product quality over time, such as salt and sugar.
Antioxidant Preservatives: These prevent food oxidation and mold formation. Common examples include ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C.
Enzyme-Inhibiting Preservatives: These slow down or block enzymes responsible for food spoilage.

Preservatives in the Food Industry and Their Applications

To invest in high-quality chemical preservatives, it's important to know the key players. Below are some of the most widely used preservatives and their applications:

Sorbic Acid

Sorbic acid is one of the most well-known chemical preservatives. It is suitable for products with a pH below 7 and can be used in both food and cosmetics. Its primary role, alongside other synthetic preservatives, is to prevent mold and yeast growth, ensuring longer shelf life without compromising nutritional properties.

From sorbic acid, another preservative is derived: potassium sorbate, which complements its functions. However, potassium sorbate is not recommended for fermented products as it inhibits yeast formation—a crucial process for this type of food.

Applications of Sorbic Acid and Potassium Sorbate:

Cheese and wine
Soft drinks and energy drinks
Desserts
Meats
Bakery products
Juices
Cosmetics
Toothpaste
Animal feed

Benzoic Acid and Sodium Benzoate

A well-known synthetic preservative, benzoic acid, serves as an alternative to sorbic acid. It is used in similar products but is more effective in those with a pH below 4.5 due to its chemical properties.

Benzoic acid offers a cost-effective solution without sacrificing quality, with antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, like sorbic acid, it is unsuitable for fermented products due to its impact on yeast activity.

Sodium benzoate, a derivative, is also commonly used. Dosages typically range from 0.05% to 0.1%.

Examples of Foods Containing Benzoic Acid:

Jams
Soft drinks
Sweets
Fruit-based products (e.g., pies)
Sauces
Margarine

Propionic Acid and Its Salts

Propionic acid is widely used as a preservative in food and animal feed due to its antimicrobial properties, which prevent mold and bacterial growth, thereby extending product shelf life.

Its salts, such as sodium and calcium propionate, are common additives in bakery products due to their minimal impact on yeast fermentation. Sodium propionate is typically used in sweet baked goods, while calcium propionate is favored for savory items.

Applications in Bakery Products:

Extending shelf life
Preventing fungal contamination

Propionic acid in its original state offers superior efficacy, especially in applications with a pH above 4.7, such as bread and animal feed, where propionate salts lose their preservative strength.

Lactic Acid

Naturally produced in the body, lactic acid is an effective food preservative, inhibiting microbial growth while also acting as a flavor enhancer.

It is particularly effective against pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and Clostridium. Dosages vary from 0.05% to 2%. Beyond food, lactic acid is used in cosmetics,

pharmaceuticals, and paints, making it a versatile ingredient.

Are Preservatives Harmful?

Preservatives occur naturally in many processes and are thoroughly regulated by authorities such as Brazil's ANVISA. When used correctly, they pose no harm to health.

However, individuals should watch for potential allergies or reactions to specific preservatives, although such cases are rare. Reading food labels is always recommended for transparency.

Total Ingredientes and the Preservative Market

At Total Ingredientes, we work with top-quality preservatives like sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate to meet diverse food and feed industry needs.

Additionally, we offer ShelfTAZ, a substitute for sodium and calcium propionate. Specifically designed for bakery and animal feed applications, ShelfTAZ is more efficient than propionates and maintains its preservative strength across various pH levels, making it the best option for food preservation.