Comparing E290 - Carbon dioxide vs E501I - Potassium carbonate

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Overview

E290 - Carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide (E290) is the colorless, odorless gas that gives drinks their fizz and helps push product out of aerosol cans. In food, it also works as a packaging gas to keep some foods fresh for longer by limiting oxygen exposure.

E501I - Potassium carbonate

Potassium carbonate (E501i) is an alkaline salt used to control acidity and stabilize foods. You’ll most often see it in alkalized cocoa and some noodle products, where it helps shape color, flavor, and texture. It’s permitted in both the U.S. and EU when used as intended in food.

Synonyms

E290

Carbon dioxide

Carbonic acid gas

Fermentation carbon dioxide

Spring carbon dioxide

E501i

Potassium carbonate

Functions

carbonating agent packaging gas propellant

acidity regulator raising agent

Origins

Products

Found in 983 products

Found in 619 products

Search rank & volume

#12112.6K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#12612K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×16.66

over-aware

×2.82

over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 6 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

How to treat low carbon dioxide in blood?
Low CO2 (bicarbonate) on a blood test reflects an acid-base imbalance, so treatment targets the underlying cause—such as correcting metabolic acidosis, adjusting ventilation, or managing kidney issues—under medical supervision. Drinking carbonated beverages or ingesting E290 does not correct it.
Is carbon dioxide a compound?
Yes—CO2 is a chemical compound consisting of one carbon atom covalently bonded to two oxygen atoms.
Is carbon dioxide a pure substance?
Pure CO2 is a single chemical substance. Food-grade E290 is highly purified CO2 that meets strict identity and impurity limits before it is used in beverages or modified-atmosphere packaging.
Is carbon dioxide bad for you?
At typical levels in foods and carbonated drinks, CO2 is considered safe; it is permitted as E290 in the EU and GRAS in the U.S. Hazards arise from breathing very high concentrations (which can displace oxygen) or improper handling of liquid CO2 or dry ice.
Where does carbon dioxide come from?
Suppliers capture CO2 from natural wells, fermentation (e.g., breweries, bioethanol plants), or industrial off-gases, then purify, liquefy, and repackage it for food-grade uses like carbonation and protective atmospheres.