An oral care composition comprising a) an aqueous phase b) stannous ions solvated in the aqueous phase c) nitrates solvated in the aqueous phase wherein the total content of said nitrates is such that the molar amount of nitrogen in the aqueous phase measurable as nitrate is less than 2 times the molar amount of solvated stannous ions and d) a flavour substance which is preferably solvated dispersed or emulgated in the aqueous phase. Disclosed are also containers containing the composition and processes and uses for stabilising stannous ions against oxidation using nitrates.