Sodium Bicarbonate
Other names: Baking soda, Baking soda, Sodium bicarbonate, Sodium bicarbonate, Carbonic Acid Monosodium Salt, Baking soda, E500
Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)
Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, carbonic acid monosodium salt, baking soda or E500, is a substance we know primarily from the kitchen. It is a white powder that dissolves in water. It is recognisable by its specific salty taste and slightly alkaline (basic) reaction. This substance is known for its unique properties where it interacts with acid to produce carbon dioxide. This reaction is essential for certain culinary processes, such as the leavening of baked goods.
Sodium bicarbonate has many uses. It is widely used in the food industry, where it functions as a leavening powder for baking. It releases carbon dioxide under the influence of heat and an acidic environment, which makes the dough of leavened products puff up and gives it its typical structure. In addition to baked goods, it is also added to other products to improve their consistency, such as ice cream, cheese, yoghurt or bubble drinks. Last but not least, baking soda also pays off outside the culinary world. It can be used as an eco-friendly cleaning agent, for example to remove deposits and dirt in the bathroom or kitchen. It is also included in many toothpastes and teeth whitening products because of its ability to neutralise acids in the mouth and relieve tooth decay.