Potassium sorbate (E202) is one of the most common preservatives on food labels, and one of the most common we are asked to replace. If you are looking for a potassium sorbate replacement, the CapBlock® range offers four clean-label options, made by fermentation or from botanical extracts. This post explains how each one works and which to trial first.
New to the series? Start with our guide on how to replace E-numbers.
Why potassium sorbate is hard to replace
Potassium sorbate is an approved preservative in the UK and EU (listed as E202 in the Food Standards Agency’s approved additives and E numbers) and in Australia and New Zealand as code 202 (Food Standards Code Schedule 8). It protects against mould and yeast at low inclusion levels. A replacement has to cover the same spoilage risks without changing flavour, aroma or texture. In yeast-raised bakery, it also has to leave the yeast alone.
Four CapBlock® options at a glance
| Product | Format | Made from | Dosage | Label declaration options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CapBlock® TotalShield | Powder | Buffered vinegars and botanical extracts | 0.35–1.0% of flour weight | Buffered Vinegar, Botanical Extracts; or Buffered Vinegar, Plant Extracts |
| CapBlock® Cultured Brown Rice (CBR) | Powder | Fermented brown rice | 0.5–1.5% of flour weight | Cultured Brown Rice Powder; Brown Rice Powder; or Rice Powder |
| CapBlock® Cultured Dextrose (CD) | Powder | Fermented dextrose | 0.5–2.0% of flour weight | Cultured Dextrose; or Natural Flavour |
| CapBlock® LS100 | Liquid | Fermented plant extracts (spices, seeds and fruits) | 0.3–2.0% | Natural Flavors |
Bakery dosages are based on flour weight. For meat, sauces, beverages and other foods, calculate on total product weight.
CapBlock® TotalShield: the all-rounder
CapBlock® TotalShield is our dedicated potassium sorbate replacer. It combines buffered vinegars with a natural botanical source of ascorbic acid to reduce spoilage from yeast, mould, listeria and gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is propionic acid free and is formulated to have no negative effect on flavour or aroma.
As a starting point for trials, its data sheet gives an equivalence of 0.3% potassium sorbate = 1% CapBlock® TotalShield. It is used in baked goods, meats, snacks, bars, tortillas, plant-based meat, cheeses, dressings, sauces, condiments, dips and spreads.
CapBlock® CBR and CD: for yeast-raised bakery
CapBlock® Cultured Brown Rice and CapBlock® Cultured Dextrose are both designed as clean-label replacements for potassium sorbate, calcium propionate and other synthetic mould inhibitors. Both leave yeast active in yeast-raised baked goods, which makes them a natural fit for breads and rolls.
CBR works best at pH 6.0 or below, ideally 4.5 or below. CD also enhances flavour and is used across bakery, dairy, meat and poultry, sauces, dressings, beverages and snacks.
CapBlock® LS100: the liquid option
CapBlock® Liquid Plant Extract LS100 replaces sorbates and benzoates, protecting against bacteria, yeast and mould. Its mild, smooth flavour suits meat applications and foods that are sensitive to sour notes. As a liquid, it is easy to dose into beverages, brines, sauces and dressings.
Which one should you trial first?
- Yeast-raised bread and rolls: start with CapBlock® CBR or CD.
- Cakes, bars, snacks, tortillas, meats and dips: start with CapBlock® TotalShield.
- Beverages, meats and liquid systems, or products sensitive to sourness: start with CapBlock® LS100.
Suitability depends on your formulation, pH and process, so run a shelf-life trial against your current formulation before switching. See all our natural preservatives and shelf life extension solutions, or the full CapBlock® range.
Frequently asked questions
Can CapBlock® replace potassium sorbate one-for-one?
Not by weight. CapBlock® TotalShield’s starting equivalence is 0.3% potassium sorbate to 1% TotalShield. Dosage for each grade is then adjusted through trials.
Will CapBlock® affect yeast in my bread?
CapBlock® CBR and CD are formulated to leave yeast active in yeast-raised baked goods.
How will it appear on my ingredient list?
Each grade has its own declaration options, shown in the table above. Confirm the right declaration for your market with your regulatory team.
Ready to start? Find more replacements in our Ingredient Replacement Finder, or request a sample to begin your trial. You can also contact our team at info@nexusingredient.com.
