A granular sorbic acid having improved properties is prepared in a very simple manner without need of any particular preparation as in conventional methods, i.e. by granulating by extrusion, powder having particle sizes of ASTM No. 70 sieve pass in the presence of water or water containing a surfactant. The resulting granule has a suitable hardness and hence scarcely collapses at the time of drying after granulation and subsequent handling, but has a rapid dispersibility into foods at the time of its use.