Comparing E290 - Carbon dioxide vs E943A - Butane

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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.

E943A - Butane

Butane (E943a) is a food-grade liquefied gas used mainly as a propellant in aerosol products like whipped cream and cooking sprays. It flashes off quickly after dispensing, so only tiny amounts, if any, remain in the food under normal use. Regulators in the EU and U.S. allow its use when it meets strict purity rules.

Synonyms

E290

Carbon dioxide

Carbonic acid gas

Fermentation carbon dioxide

Spring carbon dioxide

E943a

Butane

Functions

carbonating agent packaging gas propellant

propellant

Origins

Microbiological

Synthetic

Mineral

Products

Found in 983 products

Found in 12 products

Search rank & volume

#12112.6K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×16.66

over-aware

Awareness data is not available.

Search volume over time

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

Search history data is not available.

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.