E500 · Sodium carbonates
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E500?
Sodium carbonates (sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium sesquicarbonate) are alkaline compounds used in food as raising agents, acidity regulators, and anti-caking agents. Sodium bicarbonate is the familiar baking soda used as a leavening agent in baked goods. These compounds are also widely used outside food, for example in glass manufacturing and cleaning products, but the food-grade forms are considered safe at typical use levels.
Also appears on labels as: Sodium carbonates, Sodium carbonate, Sodium hydrogen carbonate, Sodium bicarbonate, Baking soda, Soda ash, Soda crystals, Na2CO3, NaHCO3, E500, E 500, E-500.
What the evidence says
- Adds to total sodium intake, a consideration for people managing blood pressure or on a low-sodium diet.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Sodium Carbonates in Food Applications: Comprehensive Safety Review — InfoCons Food Safety Research Team, InfoCons Consumer Protection Journal (2024). A 2024 comprehensive evaluation of sodium carbonates (E500) including sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium sesquicarbonate as food additives. The study examined their functions as acid-regulating agents, loosening agents, stabilizers, and anti-caking agents. The research confirmed excellent safety profiles for all three forms when used according to approved guidelines. No adverse health effects were identified, and the compounds demonstrated effective performance in various food applications including baking and pH regulation.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E500 safe?
Our overall verdict for E500 (Sodium carbonates) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E500 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium carbonates — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E500 and why is it used?
Sodium carbonates (sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium sesquicarbonate) are alkaline compounds used in food as raising agents, acidity regulators, and anti-caking agents. Sodium bicarbonate is the familiar baking soda used as a leavening agent in baked goods. These compounds are also widely used outside food, for example in glass manufacturing and cleaning products, but the food-grade forms are considered safe at typical use levels.
Does E500 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium carbonates.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.