# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)

Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 8 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent)
E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)

E422 (Glycerol / Glycerin) is a sweet, viscous trihydroxy alcohol (polyol) obtained via lipid hydrolysis. INS 422, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), acting as an essential humectant, moisture retainer, and freeze-point depressant in baked goods and icings.

View full E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) spec sheet →

E500 (Sodium Carbonates / Sodium Bicarbonate NaHCO3) is a mineral salt leavening agent and pH buffer. INS 500(ii), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), decomposing under heat and acid to produce carbon dioxide bubbles that expand cakes, cookies, and pretzel crusts.

View full E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E422 E500
INS / Codex Number
INS 422 INS 500(ii) (Bicarbonate) / 500(i) (Carbonate)
Functional Class
Humectant, Solvent, Sweetener, Bodying Agent Raising / Leavening Agent, Acidity Regulator, Anti-Caking
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
C3H8O3 (Propane-1,2,3-triol) NaHCO3 (Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate)
Primary Mechanism
Strongly hygroscopic triol binds water molecules, lowering water activity (aw) and preventing staling Thermal (>50°C) or acid neutralization releases CO2 gas: NaHCO3 + H+ -> Na+ + H2O + CO2
Common Target Foods
Fondant icings, soft-baked cookies, energy bars, cake sponges, liqueur bodying Baking powders, cookies, cakes, pretzel alkaline dips, effervescent drink tablets
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (When derived from plant fats), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Mineral Solvay process/Trona mining), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1320) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1736)

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