E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)

Direct Answer

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.

Source: Codex Alimentarius / EFSA · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026

Specs

E-Number Code	E500
INS / Codex Number	INS 500(ii) (Bicarbonate) / 500(i) (Carbonate)
Functional Class	Raising / Leavening Agent, Acidity Regulator, Anti-Caking
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula	NaHCO3 (Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate)
Primary Mechanism	Thermal (>50°C) or acid neutralization releases CO2 gas: NaHCO3 + H+ -> Na+ + H2O + CO2
Common Target Foods	Baking powders, cookies, cakes, pretzel alkaline dips, effervescent drink tablets
Dietary Compliance	100% Vegan (Mineral Solvay process/Trona mining), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1736)

Maillard Reaction Acceleration at Alkaline pH

Baking soda elevates surface dough pH (pH > 8), dramatically accelerating amino acid / reducing sugar Maillard reactions to yield the rich golden-brown color and caramel aromas in chocolate chip cookies and pretzels.