Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 8 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas)
E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)
E290 (Carbon Dioxide / CO2) is an authorized food additive functioning as a carbonating gas, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) preservative, and cryogenic freezing propellant. INS 290, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis).
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.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E290 | E500 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 290 | INS 500(ii) (Bicarbonate) / 500(i) (Carbonate) |
|
Functional Class
|
Carbonating Gas, Packaging Gas, Preservative, Propellant | Raising / Leavening Agent, Acidity Regulator, Anti-Caking |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
CO2 | NaHCO3 (Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Dissolves in water forming carbonic acid (H2CO3) for effervescence; displaces O2 in packaging to block aerobic mold growth | Thermal (>50°C) or acid neutralization releases CO2 gas: NaHCO3 + H+ -> Na+ + H2O + CO2 |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Carbonated soft drinks, sparkling water, beer, champagne, MAP bagged salads, fresh meats | Baking powders, cookies, cakes, pretzel alkaline dips, effervescent drink tablets |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan, Halal, Kosher | 100% Vegan (Mineral Solvay process/Trona mining), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1240) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1736) |
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