E290: Carbon dioxide
What is E290?
Carbon dioxide is a colourless, odourless gas made of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. As E290 it is used as a gas, dissolved in liquids, or in its frozen form known as dry ice.
Origin and production
Food-grade carbon dioxide is usually recovered as a by-product of industrial processes such as ammonia production or fermentation in brewing and bioethanol plants, then purified.
Why is it used?
Dissolved in water it creates the fizz in soft drinks, energy drinks, sparkling water and non-alcoholic beers. It is also used as a packaging gas to displace oxygen and slow spoilage, for example in packs of sliced cheese, and as a propellant in some aerosol cream dispensers.
Vegan, vegetarian and halal
Carbon dioxide contains no animal-derived material and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It is not a concern for halal or kosher diets.
Safety and regulation
Carbon dioxide is authorised in the EU as a food additive and may be used at the level needed for its purpose. It is a normal product of human metabolism.
Written by the Foodlas editorial team with AI assistance and checked against EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and EFSA scientific opinions. Last reviewed: October 14, 2026.
Sources: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 · EFSA — Food additives · Wikidata
Common in
Products containing E290
