E-numbers / Acidity regulators / E356
also: Sodium salt of adipic acid
The sodium salt of adipic acid, used to control acidity and act as a buffer in processed foods.
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Sodium adipate is the sodium salt of adipic acid, a dicarboxylic acid found naturally in small amounts in beet juice and sugar cane.
Sodium adipate is the sodium salt of adipic acid, a dicarboxylic acid found naturally in small amounts in beet juice and sugar cane. The food-grade compound is produced synthetically and sold as a white crystalline powder. It is closely related to E355 (adipic acid) and E357 (potassium adipate), which share the same functional roles.
It works as an acidity regulator and buffering agent: it resists changes in pH when small amounts of acid or alkali are added to a food system. This keeps flavour, texture, and colour stable during processing and storage. It can also act as a sequestrant, binding trace metal ions that would otherwise accelerate rancidity or discolouration.
Used in confectionery, baking powders, sports and energy drinks, dessert mixes, and some dairy-based products where a mild acid profile and pH stability are needed. Less common than its relative adipic acid (E355). On a UK label it appears as 'sodium adipate' or 'E356'.
Like all sodium salts used as food additives, sodium adipate adds to total dietary sodium intake. At typical additive use levels the sodium contribution is small, but it is relevant for people already managing high dietary sodium. There is no concern unique to the adipate anion at normal food additive doses.
High dietary sodium intake is associated with raised blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk; this applies to all sodium-containing ingredients, including sodium-salt food additives.
The adipates (adipic acid and its sodium and potassium salts, E355-E357) have been evaluated by EFSA. The panel concluded that available data did not raise safety concerns at the levels used in food, though they noted limitations in older toxicological datasets. No ADI based on a toxicological endpoint was considered necessary, though some sources quote a group ADI of 5 mg/kg bodyweight per day derived from older JECFA work.
EFSA's food additives panel reviewed the adipate group and found no grounds to restrict it at typical food use levels, noting that adipic acid is a normal metabolic intermediate in humans.
Adipic acid is an endogenous compound produced during normal fatty acid metabolism, which means the body has established pathways for handling the adipate anion.
People on a medically supervised low-sodium diet should be aware that sodium adipate, like all sodium-salt additives, contributes to total sodium intake. Look for 'sodium adipate' or 'E356' on the ingredients list.
Sodium adipate is one of the least controversial food additives. Adipic acid is a normal intermediate in human metabolism, so the body already handles the adipate anion through established biochemical routes. The additive is used in relatively small quantities as a technical agent. The main relevant consideration is its sodium content for anyone actively limiting sodium intake, not any property specific to the adipate itself. No independent researchers have raised a specific concern, and no regulatory body has moved to restrict it.
No. Sodium adipate is on the UK FSA approved-additives list and remains permitted in the UK under assimilated EU Regulation 1333/2008.
Not exactly. Adipic acid is E355. E356 is the sodium salt of adipic acid, and E357 is the potassium salt. All three are acidity regulators with similar functions; the salts are more water-soluble and less acidic than the free acid form.
It appears in some confectionery, baking powders, dessert mixes, and sports or energy drinks. It is less widely used than adipic acid (E355) itself. Check the ingredients list for 'sodium adipate' or 'E356'.
Yes. Sodium adipate is produced from synthetic or plant-derived adipic acid and contains no animal-derived ingredients.
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