Comparing E501I - Potassium carbonate vs E524 - Sodium hydroxide

Overview

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.

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E524 - Sodium hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide (E524), also called lye or caustic soda, is a strong alkali used in small, controlled amounts in food processing. It helps adjust acidity (pH), loosens peels on fruits and vegetables, and creates the classic deep-brown crust on pretzels.

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Synonyms
E501i
Potassium carbonate
E524
Sodium hydroxide
Caustic soda
Functions
acidity regulatorraising agent
acidity regulator
Origins
Plant
Synthetic
Synthetic
Products

Found in 619 products

Found in 393 products

Search rank & volume
#12612K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#5258K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×2.82
over-aware

×21.32
over-aware

Search volume over time

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

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

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Popular questions

  1. Is potassium carbonate soluble?

    Yes—it's highly soluble in water and deliquescent. It is insoluble in ethanol.

  2. Is potassium carbonate soluble in water?

    Yes, it dissolves readily in water to form a strongly alkaline solution.

  3. What is potassium carbonate used for?

    In foods, E501(i) is used as a stabiliser and acidity regulator/buffer, and as a leavening aid in some baked goods and alkaline-processed foods like certain noodles and cocoa. It’s also used industrially in making glass and soap.

  4. Is potassium carbonate dangerous?

    At approved food-use levels it’s considered safe, but the solid and concentrated solutions are strongly alkaline and can irritate or burn skin and eyes. Those with kidney disease or on potassium‑sparing medications should avoid excessive potassium intake.

  5. How to make potassium carbonate?

    Industrial production absorbs carbon dioxide into potassium hydroxide solution to form K2CO3; historically it was obtained from leached wood ashes. For food use, only purchase certified food‑grade material—home production isn’t recommended.

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  1. What is sodium hydroxide used for?

    In foods, E524 (sodium hydroxide/lye) is used as a pH regulator and processing aid—for peeling fruits and vegetables, curing olives, Dutch-processing cocoa, and creating the characteristic crust on pretzels and some noodles. Outside food, it’s widely used in soapmaking, cleaning, and pulp and paper production.

  2. Is sodium hydroxide a base?

    Yes—it's a very strong base (alkali) with a high pH and is highly caustic; in foods it's used only in small, controlled amounts.

  3. What is the chemical formula for sodium hydroxide?

    NaOH.

  4. What is the formula for sodium hydroxide?

    NaOH (composed of sodium cations, Na+, and hydroxide anions, OH−).

  5. How to make sodium hydroxide?

    Industrial sodium hydroxide is produced by the chlor-alkali process (electrolysis of brine), yielding NaOH, chlorine, and hydrogen. Do not attempt to make it yourself; for any food use, only purchase certified food‑grade lye.

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