Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 8 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)
E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn)
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.
E503 (Ammonium Bicarbonate / (NH4)HCO3) is a historic chemical leavening salt. INS 503(ii), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), decomposing 100% into gaseous CO2, ammonia, and water at temperatures >60°C to create ultra-crisp, airy crackers and cookies.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E500 | E503 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 500(ii) (Bicarbonate) / 500(i) (Carbonate) | INS 503(ii) |
|
Functional Class
|
Raising / Leavening Agent, Acidity Regulator, Anti-Caking | Raising Agent, Acidity Regulator |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
NaHCO3 (Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate) | (NH4)HCO3 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Thermal (>50°C) or acid neutralization releases CO2 gas: NaHCO3 + H+ -> Na+ + H2O + CO2 | Thermal decomposition leaves zero residual water or alkali salts: (NH4)HCO3 -> NH3(g) + CO2(g) + H2O(g) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Baking powders, cookies, cakes, pretzel alkaline dips, effervescent drink tablets | Thin crispy crackers, Italian biscotti, Greek koulourakia, sugar wafer shells |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Mineral Solvay process/Trona mining), Halal, Kosher | Vegan (Mineral synthesis), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1736) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1137) |
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