What is E500?

E500 is Sodium Carbonates (Bicarbonate of Soda) — bicarbonate of soda — the raising agent in your baking cupboard. Completely safe, vegan and halal.

What is E500 (Sodium Carbonates)?

E500 is the E-number for sodium carbonates, one of the raising agents group of food additives (E500–E599). Additives in this group make doughs and batters rise by releasing gas. Mineral salts produced industrially. E500 sounds like a chemical to avoid, but E500(ii) is simply bicarbonate of soda — the same white powder sold for home baking. Like every E-number, E500 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E500 in detail below.

Where is E500 found?

E500 is typically used in cakes, biscuits, self-raising flour, bread and baking mixes. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E500) or by its full name, sodium carbonates. Common foods that may contain E500 include:

• Self-raising flour
• Cakes and biscuits
• Honeycomb
• Bread
• Effervescent drinks

Full guide: foods containing E500 and how to spot it on labels →

E500 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Baking Soda safe? · Is Bicarbonate Of Soda safe?

Is E500 safe?

Is E500 vegan?

E500 is vegan. Mineral salts produced industrially, with no animal involvement in standard production.

Is E500 halal?

E500 is halal. Mineral salts produced industrially, with no haram source involved.

Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).