sulfites
Food preservation compounds
Sulfites are sulfur-based compounds used as preservatives in food and wine, preventing oxidation and bacterial growth.
They occur naturally in fermentation but are often added to dried fruits, processed foods, and wines.
Some people experience sensitivity reactions—headaches, breathing difficulties, or flushing—leading to mandatory labeling in many countries: Contains sulfites.
Chronic lung inflammation
- anaphylaxisSevere systemic allergic reaction
- hivesRaised itchy skin reaction
- allergicAdversely reactive to substances
- itchingIrritating skin sensation
swelling · bronchospasm · wheezing · rhinitis · urticaria · histamine · flushing · headache
Moisture-removed edible plant matter
- wineFermented grape beverage
- beerFermented grain drink
- ciderPressed apple beverage
- shrimpSmall edible crustacean
processed foods · jams · pickles · condiments · sauces · deli meats · molasses · grape juice
Microbial sugar conversion
- winemakingCrafting fermented grape beverages
- vintnerProducer of fermented grape beverages
- oenologyScience of viticulture products
- sulfur dioxideSO₂ gas compound
antioxidant · stabilizer · natural wine · headache · oxidation · red wine · white wine · labeling
Period before spoilage
- antimicrobialKills or inhibits germs
- inhibitTo restrain or hinder
- antioxidantOxidation-preventing molecule
- stabilizerThing ensuring steadiness
sulfur dioxide · oxidation · freshness · spoilage · bacterial growth · fungal growth · food preservation
asthma
Chronic lung inflammation
- anaphylaxisSevere systemic allergic reaction
- hivesRaised itchy skin reaction
- allergicAdversely reactive to substances
itching · swelling · bronchospasm · wheezing · rhinitis · urticaria · histamine · flushing · headache · migraine
dried fruits
Moisture-removed edible plant matter
shrimp · processed foods · jams · pickles · condiments · sauces · deli meats · molasses · grape juice · vinegar
fermentation
Microbial sugar conversion
- winemakingCrafting fermented grape beverages
- vintnerProducer of fermented grape beverages
- oenologyScience of viticulture products
sulfur dioxide · antioxidant · stabilizer · natural wine · headache · oxidation · red wine · white wine · labeling
shelf-life
Period before spoilage
- antimicrobialKills or inhibits germs
- inhibitTo restrain or hinder
- antioxidantOxidation-preventing molecule
stabilizer · sulfur dioxide · oxidation · freshness · spoilage · bacterial growth · fungal growth · food preservation
sulfur dioxide
SO₂ gas compound
- SO2Sulfurous atmospheric pollutant
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
- reductionMaking something smaller
bleaching · disinfectant · pH · acidic · soluble · ppm · parts per million · residual · free · bound
- allergenspeanuts, food allergens, shellfish, tree nuts, dairy
- Inorganic Compoundssodium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, aluminum oxide
- winemakingwinery, winemaking, crushing, grapevines, grape vines
- food additivesemulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, colorants, calcium silicate, lecithin
- label termsbrand name, logo, ABV, alcohol content, country of origin
- preservativessodium nitrate, potassium sorbate, citric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid
sulfitesnitrates
Nitrogen-oxygen salt compounds
nitrites · phosphates · sulfates · oxidizers · chlorides
sulfitessulfite-free
Contains no sulfur preservatives
preservative-free · natural · organic · additive-free · unprocessed