Carbonates
What is Carbonates?
Carbonates are salts or esters of carbonic acid. In food, they are often used in the form of sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, or ammonium carbonate. These compounds are typically produced industrially through chemical synthesis.
Is Carbonates vegan?
Carbonates is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Carbonates gluten-free?
They do not contain gluten.
Is Carbonates a major allergen?
Carbonates are not among the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Carbonates used for?
Carbonates function as acidity regulators and leavening agents in food products.
Is Carbonates safe?
Carbonates used as food additives are authorised on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations in Great Britain.
Why it's used
Carbonates function as acidity regulators and leavening agents in food products. They help to control the pH of foods and, when heated or combined with an acid, release carbon dioxide gas, causing baked goods to rise. They are commonly found in cakes, biscuits, and cereals.
Health notes
Carbonates used as food additives are authorised on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations in Great Britain. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated various carbonates, such as sodium carbonate (E500), and has established acceptable intake levels. At typical consumption levels found in food, they are generally considered safe.
Allergen info
Carbonates are not among the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. They do not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Carbonates
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