✓ Safety Verdict: Completely Safe
E500 includes baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), one of the safest substances you can consume. Used for centuries in baking, cooking, and medicine (antacids). No health concerns at typical consumption levels.
What is E500?
E500 covers three types of sodium carbonates:
- E500(i): Sodium Carbonate (washing soda)
- E500(ii): Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) – most common
- E500(iii): Sodium Sesquicarbonate (mixture of i and ii)
Most common in food: E500(ii) – Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
Why it's used:
- Raising agent – releases CO₂ when heated, making cakes rise
- pH regulator – adjusts acidity in foods
- Tenderizer – softens meat fibres
- Anti-caking agent – prevents clumping
Where is E500 Found?
Baked Goods (Most Common):
- Cakes, muffins, and cupcakes
- Biscuits and cookies
- Pancakes and waffles
- Baking powder (contains E500(ii) + acid)
Other Foods:
- Cocoa powder (Dutch process – alkalized with E500(i))
- Fizzy sweets (creates fizz)
- Pretzels (gives brown colour)
- Asian noodles (improves texture)
Non-Food Uses:
- Antacid tablets (heartburn relief)
- Toothpaste (mild abrasive)
- Cleaning products
Health Benefits
Sodium bicarbonate (E500ii) has medical uses:
1. Heartburn and Indigestion Relief
- Neutralizes stomach acid
- Active ingredient in many antacids
2. Athletic Performance
- May buffer lactic acid during intense exercise
- Some athletes take it as a supplement
3. Kidney Health
- Used medically to treat metabolic acidosis
- Prescribed for some kidney conditions
Is E500 Safe?
Yes, completely safe. Baking soda has been used for over 150 years.
✅ Safety Profile:
- Used in medicine – sold as antacid over-the-counter
- Natural compound – body produces bicarbonate naturally
- No cancer risk, no allergies
- Safe for everyone – children, pregnant women, elderly
Side Effects (Only at Very High Doses):
Consuming large amounts of baking soda (teaspoons) may cause:
- Gas and bloating (CO₂ production)
- Alkalosis (too much bicarbonate – medical condition)
Context: Food contains tiny amounts. You'd need to eat tablespoons of pure baking soda for side effects.
Regulatory Status
UK/EU: Approved with no ADI limit (completely safe)
US: FDA "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS)
The Bottom Line
- ✅ Completely safe – used for 150+ years
- ✅ E500(ii) = Baking Soda (most common form)
- ✅ Essential for baking – makes cakes rise
- ✅ Used in medicine (antacids)
- ✅ No health concerns
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Last updated: February 2026