Comparing E524 - Sodium hydroxide vs E527 - Ammonium hydroxide

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.

READ MORE >>

E527 - Ammonium hydroxide

Ammonium hydroxide (E527) is a water solution of ammonia used in tiny amounts to control acidity and help keep some foods safe during processing. It can also take part in making certain caramel colors and is tightly regulated in both the U.S. and EU.

READ MORE >>
Synonyms
E524
Sodium hydroxide
Caustic soda
E527
Ammonium hydroxide
Aqua ammonia
ammonia
household ammonia
ammonia water
ammonical liquor
ammonia liquor
aqueous ammonia
Functions
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
Origins
Synthetic
Synthetic
Products

Found in 393 products

Found in 1 products

Search rank & volume
#5258K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#13111.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×21.32
over-aware

×271.66
over-aware

Search volume over time

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

Interest over time for 5 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Read more about E524Read more
Read more about E527Read more
Popular questions

  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.

READ MORE ABOUT E524READ MORE >>

  1. Is ammonium hydroxide soluble?

  2. Is ammonium hydroxide a base?

  3. Is ammonium hydroxide ammonia?

  4. Is ammonium hydroxide a strong base?

  5. What is ammonium hydroxide used for?

READ MORE ABOUT E527READ MORE >>