My diet:

E500 Sodium bicarbonate (Baking soda)

E500Acidity regulatorsOrigin: Mineral
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Every diet

VeganYes
Gluten-freeYes

Pure baking soda is gluten-free. Baking powder may contain wheat starch in some countries.

HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Sodium bicarbonate (E500) is plain baking soda. It makes baked goods rise, it's safe, and it fits every diet we check.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE500
Comes fromMineral
What it doesAcidity regulators
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledSodium bicarbonate, Baking soda

Bake with the right leavening

For your pantry
Pantry staple

Aluminum-free baking powder

Some baking powders use sodium aluminum phosphate; this one doesn't.

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Low-sodium option

Potassium bicarbonate

Rises like baking soda with no added sodium.

Shop potassium bicarbonate Opens your country’s Amazon store
Precision tool

Stainless measuring spoon set

Includes 1/8 tsp, the amount many recipes need.

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Rules by country

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

Approved everywhere with no daily limit.

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

What is it?

Baking soda is a mild alkali. When it meets an acid such as buttermilk, yogurt or the acid in baking powder, it releases carbon dioxide bubbles that lift dough.

Where it comes from: Made from salt and limestone (the Solvay process), or refined from trona, a mineral mined in Wyoming.

Why it’s in food

  • Makes cakes, cookies and crackers rise
  • Neutralizes acid in recipes
  • Helps pretzels and cookies brown
  • Adds fizz to drink tablets

Often found in

Cookies and crackersPancake and cake mixesQuick breadsPretzelsEffervescent drink tabletsSelf-rising flour

Also listed as: Sodium bicarbonate, Baking soda, Bicarbonate of soda, Bicarb, Sodium hydrogen carbonate, Bread soda, E500(ii), Sodium carbonates

Health & gut impact

SodiumUnder study

One teaspoon contains about 1,260 mg of sodium, more than half a day's limit. Food uses far less per serving.

USDA FoodData Central

HeartburnBenefit

It neutralizes stomach acid and is the active ingredient in some antacids. Regular high doses aren't advised.

NIH MedlinePlus, Sodium bicarbonate

What can I use instead?

Baking powder

Ratio: 3 tsp for 1 tsp baking soda

Best for: Recipes without an acidic ingredient

Potassium bicarbonate

Ratio: About 1:1

Best for: Low-sodium baking

Related

More acidity regulators:

Citric Acid E330Citric acid (E330) is the sour acid of lemons, made by fermentation. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly.Generally safeCream of tartar (Potassium bitartrate) E336Cream of tartar (E336) is a natural acid scraped from wine barrels. Bakers use it to whip stable meringue and to make baking powder. It's safe, vegan and fits every diet we check.Generally safeLactic acid E270Lactic acid (E270) is a mild food acid made by fermenting plant sugars. It's safe, fits every diet we check, and has nothing to do with lactose.Generally safeMalic acid E296Malic acid (E296) is the sour taste of green apples, made in a factory for candy and drinks. It's safe, though very sour candy can wear down tooth enamel.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Sodium bicarbonate safe?

Generally safe (96/100). Approved everywhere with no daily limit.

Is Sodium bicarbonate vegan?

Yes.

Is Sodium bicarbonate gluten-free?

Yes. Pure baking soda is gluten-free. Baking powder may contain wheat starch in some countries.

Is baking soda the same as baking powder?

No. Baking powder is baking soda already mixed with a powdered acid and starch, so it rises without an acidic ingredient.

Does baking soda contain aluminum?

No. Aluminum is found in some baking powders, not in baking soda.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 184.1736 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E500
  • USDA FoodData Central
  • NIH MedlinePlus, Sodium bicarbonate

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026 · INS 500(ii) · CAS 144-55-8