Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid (CH3CH=CH−CH=CH−CO2K). It is a white salt, very soluble in water and is primarily used as a food preservative.It is effective as a preservative in applications including food, wine, and personal-care products. As a preservative, it inhibits molds and yeasts in many foods, such as cheese, wine, yogurt, dried meats, apple cider, rehydrated fruits, soft drinks and fruit drinks, and baked goods.