While sodium benzoate is commonly found in soft drinks, it can also be used in winemaking both to prevent spoilage and stop the fermentation process. Like potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate is a yeast inhibitor.

Will preservatives kill yeast?

Many preservatives kill yeast. Preservatives E211 (Sodium benzoate) and E202 (Potassium sorbate) are used abundantly in supermarket concentrates. These two are particularly good at killing yeast.

What does sodium benzoate kill?

Sodium benzoate acts as a bacteriostatic and fungistatic preservative. That is, it does not kill bacteria or fungus already present, but it does inhibit their growth and reproduction. ... Sodium benzoate is also often used as a preservative in liquid medicines, such as cough syrup.