Meaning & use
potassium sorbate
Last updated
Meaning
noununcountablechemistrytechnical
A white salt used as a preservative in food and drinks to stop mold and yeast from growing.
Grammar: Uncountable; used without 'a' or 'an': 'Potassium sorbate is added to many foods.'
Patterns
- potassium sorbate in something
- add potassium sorbate
- contain potassium sorbate
Potassium sorbate is often added to cheese to prevent mold.
The label lists potassium sorbate as a preservative.
Some people prefer to avoid foods that contain potassium sorbate.
Common combinations
- contain potassium sorbate
- Many dried fruits contain potassium sorbate to extend shelf life.
- potassium sorbate preservative
- Potassium sorbate preservative is effective against yeast.
- add potassium sorbate
- Manufacturers add potassium sorbate to soft drinks.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sorbic acid
- A related chemical; potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid.
- preservative
- A general term; potassium sorbate is a specific type of preservative.
Word family
- sorbate noun
- A salt or ester of sorbic acid.
- sorbic adjective
- Relating to sorbic acid.
Commonly confused: potassium sorbate or potassium citrate?
potassium sorbate vs potassium citrate
A different potassium salt used as a food additive, often to regulate acidity rather than preserve.
Practice
Potassium sorbate is commonly used as a _____ in food.
Choose one answer.
Potassium sorbate stops mold and yeast, so it is a preservative. Sweeteners add sweetness, colorings add color, and flavorings add taste.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “potassium sorbate”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.