Comparing E500II - Sodium bicarbonate vs E262 - Sodium acetates

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Overview

E500II - Sodium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate (E500ii), better known as baking soda, is a white, crystalline powder used to help doughs and batters rise and to control acidity in foods. It releases carbon dioxide gas when heated or when it reacts with acids, creating light and airy textures in baked goods. It is widely permitted in the U.S. and EU and has a long record of safe use in food.

E262 - Sodium acetates

Sodium acetates (E262) are salts of acetic acid used to regulate acidity, add a tangy “salt-and-vinegar” taste, and help keep foods fresh. The group includes sodium acetate and sodium diacetate, both widely used in snacks, baked goods, and some meat and poultry products.

Synonyms

E500ii

Sodium hydrogen carbonate

Sodium bicarbonate

sodium acid carbonate

Bicarbonate of soda

baking soda

E262

Sodium acetates

Functions

acidity regulator raising agent

acidity regulator preservative

Origins

Products

Found in 36,658 products

Found in 5,778 products

Search rank & volume

#1297.4K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#46460 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×1.19

normal

×0.00

under-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

What does baking soda do?
It’s a leavening agent (sodium bicarbonate) that releases carbon dioxide when it reacts with acids, helping batters and doughs rise. It also raises pH, which can enhance browning and mellow acidity.
What's the difference between baking soda and baking powder?
Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate and needs an added acid to work; baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate plus acidic salts and usually starch. Most baking powders are double-acting, releasing gas when wet and again when heated.
Can i use baking soda instead of baking powder?
Yes—if you add an acid: for each 1 tsp baking powder, use about 1/4 tsp baking soda plus 1/2 tsp cream of tartar (or an equivalent acidic ingredient like lemon juice, yogurt, or buttermilk). Adjust liquids if using acidic liquids so the batter isn’t too wet.
Does baking soda go bad?
It doesn’t spoil, but it can lose leavening power after opening, especially if exposed to moisture or odors. For baking, replace about every 6 months after opening or test by adding some to vinegar/hot water—vigorous fizz means it’s still active.
Can i use baking powder instead of baking soda?
Often, yes: use roughly 3 times as much baking powder as baking soda (1 tsp soda ≈ 3 tsp powder). Because powder already includes acid and starch, reduce other acidic ingredients if needed, and expect slight changes in flavor or texture.