salts and related compounds

E500 — Sodium Carbonate

Raising agent and acidity regulator

Also known as: Soda Ash · Baking Soda · Sodium Carbonate · Sodium Bicarbonate · Bicarbonate of Soda

Permissible

Yes — Halal

Generally accepted as halal. This additive is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources and does not contain any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.

Function Raising agent and acidity regulator
Found in baked goods, bread & more
Source mineral (trona ore)

School of Thought Breakdown

Hanafi

Permitted

Maliki

Permitted

Shafi'i

Permitted

Hanbali

Permitted

Inorganic mineral - halal. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is universally halal.

What to do with this product

Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2

1

Safe to consume

E500 is permissible across all major schools of Islamic thought. No further verification is needed for this specific additive.

Permissible — no verification required
2

Still check the rest of the ingredients list

Other E-codes on the same label may have a different halal status. Use our database or scanner to verify each one.

Always verify the complete label

You're all clear for this additive

E500 is permissible. Focus your label check on the other E-codes in this product — some may have different statuses.

Scan the full label →
Background & Details

About E500

Miscellaneous - acids and salts: carbonates Generally accepted as halal. This additive is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources and does not contain any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.

What is E500 made from?

  • mineral (trona ore)
  • Solvay process (synthetic)

Foods that commonly contain E500

Food Category Guide

E500 is common in baked goods — see the full halal guide →

baked goods bread biscuits effervescent drinks dried pasta

Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E500 (Sodium Carbonate/Sodium Bicarbonate/Baking Soda) halal?

E500 (Sodium Carbonate/Sodium Bicarbonate/Baking Soda) is classified as Halal. Generally accepted as halal. This additive is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources and does not contain any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.

What is E500 used for?

E500 is used as a raising agent and acidity regulator in food products.

What foods contain E500?

E500 (Sodium Carbonate/Sodium Bicarbonate/Baking Soda) is commonly found in: baked goods, bread, biscuits, effervescent drinks, dried pasta.

What is E500 made from?

E500 can be derived from the following sources: mineral (trona ore), Solvay process (synthetic).

What are the other names for E500?

E500 may appear on food labels as: Soda Ash, Baking Soda, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Bicarbonate of Soda.

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This information is for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary by source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.