Digestoa
Additive · Acidity regulator

Sodium carbonates (E500)

Sodium carbonates (E500) is an acidity regulator that Digestoa rates as low concern — it's considered safe at the levels used in food.

Digestoa riskNo known risk
TypeAcidity regulator
Found insoft drinks, sweets, sauces, processed cheese and canned foods

What is Sodium carbonates?

Sodium carbonates (E500) is an acidity regulator — used to control acidity and balance flavour.

Is Sodium carbonates bad for you?

Sodium carbonates is permitted in food and Digestoa rates it as low concern. There's no strong evidence it causes harm at the levels typically used in food.

What foods contain Sodium carbonates?

Soft drinks, sweets, sauces, processed cheese and canned foods.

Digestoa's take

You don't need to avoid Sodium carbonates. It's one of the more benign things on an ingredients list — worth knowing, not worth worrying about.

Safer swaps

Choose less-processed products with short, recognisable ingredient lists.

Frequently asked questions

Is E500 the same as Sodium carbonates?
Yes — E500 is the international additive (E-number) code for Sodium carbonates.
Is Sodium carbonates bad for you?
Digestoa rates Sodium carbonates (E500) as low concern. It's permitted in food and considered safe at normal dietary levels.
What are the side effects of Sodium carbonates?
No significant side effects are associated with Sodium carbonates at the levels used in food.
What foods contain Sodium carbonates?
Soft drinks, sweets, sauces, processed cheese and canned foods.
How can I avoid Sodium carbonates?
Check the ingredients list for "Sodium carbonates" or "E500", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related acidity regulator additives

Phosphoric acid (E338)Sodium phosphates (E339)Potassium phosphates (E340)Calcium phosphates (E341)Sodium lactate (E325)Citric acid (E330)

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.