Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate is a white crystalline powder, a salt of carbonic acid. It occurs naturally in mineral deposits and can also be manufactured. It is commonly known as baking soda.

Sodium bicarbonate is widely used as a leavening agent in baking, producing carbon dioxide gas when heated or mixed with an acid, which causes doughs and batters to rise. It is also used as an acidity regulator and sometimes as a flavour enhancer in various food products.

Sodium bicarbonate is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It has been evaluated by EFSA, which has not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified). At typical intake levels found in food, it is not associated with adverse health effects. It is sometimes used for medicinal purposes, but this is outside the scope of food regulation.