1. salts or esters of sorbic acid, commonly used as food preservatives
Usage: chemistry; food science

Examples

• Potassium sorbate is one of the most widely used sorbates in the food industry.
• The bakery uses sorbates to extend the shelf life of their bread products.
• Many processed foods contain sorbates as antimicrobial preservatives.
• Calcium sorbate and sodium sorbate are common types of sorbates found in packaged foods.
• The label listed several sorbates among the preservatives used in the product.
• Food manufacturers prefer sorbates because they are effective against mold and yeast.