What is E301?
Sodium ascorbate (E301) is a sodium salt of vitamin C used for antioxidant and nutritional functions in specified foods. Goodnessly rates E301 Safe within its rating system, while food-category and use conditions still apply.
E301 is sodium ascorbate, used to provide antioxidant support and vitamin C in selected formulations.
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What is Sodium ascorbate?
Sodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid. It can contribute antioxidant and nutritional functions in permitted food applications.
What's it used for?
- Supporting antioxidant function
- Providing vitamin C
- Helping protect product quality
- Supporting dough and processed-food systems
Where you'll find E301 on the shelf
It is most relevant to processed foods, bakery products, beverages and fortified products where an antioxidant or vitamin C source is useful.
Is E301 permitted? What the regulators say
E301 is permitted or authorised in the three systems checked, with food-category, purity, nutrient and use conditions applying.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists sodium ascorbate as additive 301; Schedule 15 food-category permissions and conditions apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E301 sodium ascorbate for specified categories and conditions. |
| US United States (FDA) | Affirmed GRAS with conditions | FDA 21 CFR 182.3731 affirms sodium ascorbate as GRAS when used in accordance with current good manufacturing practice. |
Goodnessly rates E301 Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider sodium, product category and the full formulation.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code, August 2026 compilation, Schedule 15 and additive 301
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Union list and Regulation (EU) No 231/2012
- FDA 21 CFR 182.3731
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People comparing antioxidant systems
- People checking vitamin C sources in foods
- People tracking sodium or fortified ingredients in the wider diet
Goodnessly rates E301 Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Sodium ascorbate
- 301 or E301
- Antioxidant (301)
- Vitamin C
Look for sodium ascorbate, E301/301, antioxidant (301) or a vitamin C declaration where relevant.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E301?
E301 is sodium ascorbate, a sodium salt of vitamin C used for antioxidant and nutritional functions.
Is E301 permitted?
E301 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The food category and use conditions still matter.
Why is sodium ascorbate rated Safe?
Goodnessly rates E301 Safe within its rating system, while the regulatory category and use conditions still matter.
How does Goodnessly rate E301?
Goodnessly rates E301 (sodium ascorbate) as Safe.
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