Sodium Bicarbonate (E500) — What You Need to Know
The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.
What Is Sodium Bicarbonate?
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is one of the most widely used food additives in the world. It is a weak alkaline compound that releases carbon dioxide gas when it reacts with an acid, causing doughs and batters to rise. It is also found naturally in mineral springs. As a food additive, it is extremely well-characterized and has been used in baking for over 150 years.
What Is It Used For?
Primary leavening agent in quick breads, cakes, muffins, pancakes, and cookies. Acts as an acidity regulator in various food applications. Also used to soften legumes during cooking and as a natural cleaning agent.
Regulatory & Editorial Context
No safety concerns at normal food additive levels. Excessive intake (much higher than from food) can cause metabolic alkalosis. People with kidney disease, hypertension, or sodium-restricted diets should be aware that it contributes to sodium intake. At normal culinary use levels, it is completely safe.
eNumbers.org currently assigns Sodium Bicarbonate an editorial context label of Safe with a score of 10/10. This is equal to the database average for raising agents (10/10). Dataset reference year: 2013.
This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E500 or 'Sodium Bicarbonate'
▶Chemical Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Bicarbonate
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E500
- INS Number
- 500
- Category
- Raising Agents
- Origin
- Synthetic
- FDA Status
- GRAS
- EFSA Status
- Authorized
- ADI
- No limit
- Dataset Review
- 2013
Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.
Related Additives
Other raising agents in the same family