E502: Carbonates

What is E502?

E502 is used in some databases as a general label for 'carbonates', a group of mineral salts of carbonic acid such as sodium, potassium and ammonium carbonates. It is not itself a separate code in the EU list of additives; specific carbonates have their own numbers, such as E500, E501 and E503.

Origin and production

Food-grade carbonates are produced from mineral sources or by industrial chemistry, for example from salt and limestone or from ammonia and carbon dioxide. They contain no animal or plant material.

Why is it used?

Carbonates are mainly used as raising agents: when heated or combined with an acid, they release carbon dioxide gas that makes dough and batter rise. They also act as acidity regulators, which is why they appear widely in biscuits, cookies, shortbread, chocolate biscuits and sandwich cookies.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

Carbonates are mineral-derived and suitable for vegans and vegetarians. They raise no particular halal or kosher concerns.

Safety and regulation

The individual carbonates covered by this label are authorised as food additives in the European Union, generally at quantum satis. They are also widely permitted in other jurisdictions and have a long history of use in baking.

Common in