Comparing E524 - Sodium hydroxide vs E514I - Sodium sulphate

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Overview

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.

E514I - Sodium sulphate

Sodium sulphate (E514i) is an inorganic salt used mainly as a processing aid during food manufacturing. It is approved in the European Union and recognized as safe in the United States when used under good manufacturing practice. It rarely appears on retail labels and does not add flavor or nutrition.

Synonyms

E524

Sodium hydroxide

Caustic soda

E514i

Sodium sulphate

Functions

acidity regulator

Origins

Synthetic

Mineral

Products

Found in 393 products

Found in 3 products

Search rank & volume

#5258K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#356300 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×21.32

over-aware

×6.10

over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 3 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 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.
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.
What is the chemical formula for sodium hydroxide?
NaOH.
What is the formula for sodium hydroxide?
NaOH (composed of sodium cations, Na+, and hydroxide anions, OH−).
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.