E500 , Sodium Carbonates

Why this classification

Baking soda family. Safe.

Common uses in industrial food

Sodium Carbonates (E500) is used by food manufacturers for various technological roles in industrial food formulations. It is most often listed in the ingredient panel as E500, Sodium Carbonates, or under one of its trade names. On a NutriDécrypte product page, this additive contributes to the additives axis (20% of the overall A to E grade), and triggers a label warning when its EFSA risk level is medium or high.

If you want to limit your exposure to this additive, the simplest tactic is to read the ingredients list (not just the front-of-pack), and to favour products graded A or B in our independent catalog. Less processed, NOVA-1 or NOVA-2 categories rarely contain it.

Frequently asked questions

Is E500 (Sodium Carbonates) safe?

EFSA classifies the risk level of E500 as low risk in its latest review. Always read the latest official opinion before drawing conclusions for your own diet, and consult a registered dietitian for medical questions.

What is E500 typically used for?

Food manufacturers use Sodium Carbonates primarily for various technological roles in industrial food formulations. You will most often find it in ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4) and rarely in unprocessed or minimally processed products (NOVA 1 or 2).

How can I avoid E500 on a label?

Look for the code E500 or its full name Sodium Carbonates in the ingredients list, usually printed in small font on the back of the pack. Cooking from raw ingredients, choosing NOVA-1 or NOVA-2 alternatives, and using the NutriDécrypte rankings to filter by grade A or B are the three most reliable strategies.