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E290 Carbon dioxide

E290Acidity regulatorsOrigin: Mineral
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The short answer
Carbon dioxide (E290) is the gas that makes soda, sparkling water and beer fizzy. It's safe, vegan and gluten-free, and it leaves nothing behind in the drink except the bubbles.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE290
Comes fromMineral
What it doesAcidity regulators
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledE290, CO2

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved in the US, EU and Canada as a carbonating agent, packaging gas and processing aid. It leaves no residue in food beyond the bubbles.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Carbon dioxide is the same gas we breathe out. In a sealed bottle or can, it dissolves under pressure into the liquid, and it comes back out as bubbles when the pressure drops. It also keeps packaged food fresh when it replaces the air in a bag.

Where it comes from: Captured as a by-product of ammonia and hydrogen plants, or pumped from natural underground wells. It is the same molecule whatever the source.

Why it’s in food

  • Makes soft drinks and sparkling water fizzy
  • Carbonates beer and cider
  • Protects snacks and salads in modified-atmosphere packs
  • Chills and freezes some foods as dry ice

Often found in

Soft drinksSparkling waterBeerBagged saladsChips in gas-flushed bags

Also listed as: E290, CO2, Carbonic acid gas

Health & gut impact

Bloating and burpingConcern

Carbonated drinks deliver gas into the stomach, which can cause burping and bloating in people who are sensitive to gas. Drinking them slowly helps.

NIH MedlinePlus, gas in the digestive tract

What can I use instead?

Related

More acidity regulators:

Acetic acid E260Acetic acid (E260) is the acid that makes vinegar sour. Diluted in food it is considered safe. The hazard is the concentrated factory form, not a splash of vinegar.Generally safeAmmonium carbonate E503Ammonium carbonate (E503) is a traditional leavening agent that makes thin cookies and crackers crisp. It breaks down into gas in the oven, so little of it stays in the finished food.Generally safeCalcium carbonate E170Calcium carbonate (E170) is ground limestone, the same calcium found in antacids. It adds calcium to plant milks and flour and is very safe.Generally safeCalcium chloride E509Calcium chloride (E509) is a salty calcium salt that firms tofu, cheese curds and pickles. It is considered safe at food doses. Too much tastes bitter, which is why recipes use a little.Generally safe

Common questions

Is carbon dioxide in food safe?

Yes. It is one of the most widely used food gases, found in soda, sparkling water and beer, and it is approved across the countries we track.

Is carbon dioxide vegan?

Yes. It is a gas with no animal ingredients.

Is Carbon dioxide safe?

Generally safe (95/100). Approved in the US, EU and Canada as a carbonating agent, packaging gas and processing aid. It leaves no residue in food beyond the bubbles.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 184.1240 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E290
  • NIH MedlinePlus, gas in the digestive tract

INS 290 · CAS 124-38-9