A sequestrant is a food additive whose role is to improve the quality and stability of the food products. Sequestrants form chelate complexes with polyvalent metal ions. Especially copper, iron and nickel serve as catalysts in oxidation of the fats in the food. Sequestrants are a kind of preservative.

The name comes from Latin and means "to withdraw from use".

Common sequestrants are:

• Calcium disodium ethylene diamine tetra-acetate (E385)
• Glucono delta-lactone (E575)
• Sodium gluconate (E576)
• Potassium gluconate (E577)

Sodium and calcium salts of EDTA are also commonly used in many foods and beverages.

Food additives