E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas)
Food Additives & E-Numbers · 9 specs
Direct Answer
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).
Source: Codex Alimentarius / EFSA · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| E-Number Code | E290 |
| INS / Codex Number | INS 290 |
| Functional Class | Carbonating Gas, Packaging Gas, Preservative, Propellant |
| Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
| Chemical Formula | CO2 |
| Primary Mechanism | Dissolves in water forming carbonic acid (H2CO3) for effervescence; displaces O2 in packaging to block aerobic mold growth |
| Common Target Foods | Carbonated soft drinks, sparkling water, beer, champagne, MAP bagged salads, fresh meats |
| Dietary Compliance | 100% Vegan, Halal, Kosher |
| Safety Approval | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1240) |
Carbonic Acid Trigeminal Bite
Carbonation sensation is not purely tactile micro-bubble popping; carbonic acid stimulates trigeminal nerve TRPA1 pain receptors on the tongue, creating the distinctive refreshing, sharp bite.
Technical Comparisons
Compare all in Food Additives & E-Numbers →
E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color)
→
E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color)
→
E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color)
→
E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color)
→
E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel)
→
E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)
→
E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin)
→
E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) vs E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin)
→