Sodium carbonates
What is Sodium carbonates?
Sodium carbonates are salts of carbonic acid, commonly found in mineral springs. They are manufactured industrially from sodium chloride or sodium sulfate. They are also known as soda ash or washing soda.
Is Sodium carbonates vegan?
Sodium carbonates is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Sodium carbonates gluten-free?
They do not contain gluten.
Is Sodium carbonates a major allergen?
Sodium carbonates are not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Sodium carbonates used for?
Sodium carbonates are used as acidity regulators and raising agents in baking.
Is Sodium carbonates safe?
Sodium carbonates are authorised food additives in Great Britain, listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Sodium carbonates are used as acidity regulators and raising agents in baking. They help to produce carbon dioxide when heated or mixed with an acid, causing doughs and batters to rise. They are commonly found in cakes, bread, and processed meat products.
Health notes
Sodium carbonates are authorised food additives in Great Britain, listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. They have been evaluated by EFSA and JECFA, who have established acceptable daily intakes for sodium carbonate. At typical intake levels found in food, they are not considered to pose a health risk. While excessive intake of sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, the contribution from sodium carbonate in food is generally small compared to other sources of sodium like added salt.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
| Food category | Maximum level |
|---|---|
| 1.9 Edible caseinates | No numerical limit listed |
| 1.10 Milk-based drinks and similar products intended for young children* | No numerical limit listed |
| 2.2.1 Butter and concentrated butter and butter oil and anhydrous milk fat | No numerical limit listed |
| 8.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 | No numerical limit listed |
| 9.1.2 Unprocessed molluscs and crustaceans | No numerical limit listed |
| 11.4.1 table-top sweeteners in liquid form | No numerical limit listed |
| 11.4.2 table-top sweeteners in powder form | No numerical limit listed |
| 11.4.3 table-top sweeteners in tablets | No numerical limit listed |
| 12.1.1 Salt | No numerical limit listed |
| 13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | No numerical limit listed |
| 13.1.5 Foods for special medical purposes, as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013, intended for infants and young children | No numerical limit listed |
| 13.1.5.1 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013, intended for infants | No numerical limit listed |
Allergen info
Sodium carbonates are not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. They do not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Sodium carbonates
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