The combination of EGCG and a derivative of a basic amino acid has been found to be an effective anti-yeast agent in acidic food. The present invention relates to a method for controlling or preventing the growth of yeast in acidic food (i.e. with a pH between 2 and 6) including adding to the food a) epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and b) a derivative of a basic amino acid, and/or a salt thereof, as an anti-yeast agent. The present invention further relates to a composition for addition to food and to an acidic food including the composition, which includes a) epigallocatechin gallate and b) both lauric arginate and polylysine.
