# Ammonium Bicarbonate (E503)

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**E-number:** E503
**CAS number:** 1066-33-7
**Category:** leavening
**FDA GRAS:** yes
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Ammonium bicarbonate (NH₄HCO₃) is an inorganic salt used as a leavening agent in baked goods. It decomposes during heating to produce carbon dioxide, ammonia, and water, creating the rise and texture in cookies, crackers, and other baked products.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Ammonium Bicarbonate?

Ammonium bicarbonate is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula NH₄HCO₃ and CAS number 1066-33-7. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water. Also known as ammonium hydrogen carbonate or ammonium acid carbonate, this salt has been used in food production for over a century, particularly in European and Asian baking traditions.

The compound works as a leavening agent through thermal decomposition. When heated above 60°C (140°F), ammonium bicarbonate breaks down into three components: ammonia gas (NH₃), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and water (H₂O). The carbon dioxide creates the gas bubbles that cause baked goods to rise, while the ammonia and water generally volatilize during baking, leaving minimal residue in the finished product.

## Common Uses

Ammonium bicarbonate is primarily used in the baking industry as a leavening agent for cookies, crackers, pastries, and other dry baked goods. It is particularly popular in the production of thin, crispy cookies where a fine crumb structure is desired. The additive is also used as a dough strengthener and texturizer, improving the mechanical properties of dough and the final texture of baked products.

This leavening agent is commonly used in combination with other leavening agents or acids. It serves a pH control function in some formulations, helping to maintain optimal acidity levels during the baking process. Unlike sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), ammonium bicarbonate does not require an acidic ingredient to function effectively, making it more versatile in certain applications.

Ammonium bicarbonate is approved for use in food products across multiple regulatory jurisdictions and remains a preferred choice in industrial baking due to its effectiveness and cost-efficiency.

## Safety Assessment

Ammonium bicarbonate has been designated as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This classification is based on a long history of safe use in food and extensive safety data. The compound has no reported adverse events in the FDA database and zero associated recalls.

The safety profile is supported by the fact that ammonium bicarbonate decomposes completely during normal baking processes. The ammonia and carbon dioxide produced during heating are released as gases, and water is incorporated into the baked product. Residual ammonia levels in finished baked goods are typically below levels of concern.

Experts consider ammonium bicarbonate safe for consumption at levels used in food manufacturing. Typical exposure levels through food consumption are considered insignificant from a toxicological perspective. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has similarly established acceptable use levels for this additive in various food categories.

## Regulatory Status

Ammonium bicarbonate is approved as a food additive in the United States under FDA regulations (21 CFR 184.1141) and is listed as GRAS. It is also approved in the European Union (E503) as a raising agent for use in various food categories with specified conditions. The additive is permitted in many other countries and is widely used in international food production.

Regulatory agencies maintain that ammonium bicarbonate meets safety criteria for use in baked goods and related food products. Usage levels are established based on technological necessity and optimal baking function.

## Key Studies

Ammonium bicarbonate's safety and functionality have been the subject of numerous food science studies examining its leavening efficacy, thermal decomposition patterns, and residual levels in baked products. Research demonstrates complete volatilization of ammonia during standard baking procedures, confirming the safety of finished products.

Food chemistry literature documents the mechanism of action and comparative efficacy of ammonium bicarbonate versus other leavening agents in various baking applications. Studies consistently support the GRAS determination and confirm the compound's long history of safe use.

## Brands using Ammonium Bicarbonate

- Bionutritional Research Group, Inc. (14 products)
- Bloom Packaging Corp. (4 products)
- Back to Nature (3 products)
- Earth's Best (3 products)
- Industrias Alimenticias Noel (3 products)
- Family Dollar Stores Inc. (2 products)
- Pepperidge Farm (2 products)
- Target Stores (2 products)
- The Kroger Co. (2 products)
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (2 products)
- power crunch (2 products)
- Annie's (1 product)
- BJ's Wholesale Club / Corporate Brands (1 product)
- Barcel (1 product)
- Bermudez Biscuit Co. Ltd. (1 product)
- Chattanooga Bakery Inc (1 product)
- Creative Natural Products, Inc. (1 product)
- D. F. Stauffer Biscuit Co. Inc (1 product)
- Dollar Only Wholesale, LLC (1 product)
- Fabrica De Galletas La Moderna (1 product)
- First Touch Sports, Inc. (1 product)
- Gomez Cuetara Hnos Sa De Cv (1 product)
- Goya (1 product)
- House of Spices (1 product)
- It's-It Ice Cream Company (1 product)
- JFC International Inc. (1 product)
- Ken Orr and The Orr Sisters (1 product)
- Khong Guan Biscuit Factory (1 product)
- LIDL (1 product)
- Lance (1 product)

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Ammonium Bicarbonate (E503) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/ammonium-bicarbonate. Accessed 2026-05-12.