E500: Sodium carbonates

What is E500?

E500 covers the sodium carbonates: sodium carbonate (washing soda), sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda) and sodium sesquicarbonate. They are white, alkaline mineral salts that react with acids to release carbon dioxide gas.

Origin and production

These salts are produced industrially, mostly via the Solvay process from salt and limestone, or refined from natural deposits of the mineral trona.

Why is it used?

Their main role in food is as a raising agent: when combined with an acid and heated or moistened, they release bubbles that make biscuits, cakes and pastries light. They also regulate acidity, for example in cake mixes, cocoa processing and some snack doughs.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

Sodium carbonates are mineral compounds made without animal ingredients, so they are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. They raise no particular halal or kosher issue in themselves.

Safety and regulation

Sodium carbonates are authorised as food additives in the EU and evaluated by EFSA, and are permitted in many foods at levels set by good manufacturing practice. They contribute a small amount of sodium to the products in which they are used.

Common in