E-numbers · Raising agent
Halal raising agents: E-number list
5 raising agents checked: 5 halal, 0 doubtful and 0 haram.
| Code | Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E450 | Diphosphates | Halal |
| E500 | Sodium carbonates (baking soda) | Halal |
| E501 | Potassium carbonates | Halal |
| E503 | Ammonium carbonates | Halal |
| E541 | Sodium aluminium phosphate | Halal |
About raising agents
Raising agents release a gas, usually carbon dioxide, that makes dough and batter rise. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, E500ii) and baking powder are the ones most people know. Baking powder is a mix of an alkali and an acid such as E450 diphosphates, which react once they get wet and warm.
Ammonium carbonates (E503) are used in some traditional biscuits and crackers, and the ammonia escapes as they bake. All of these are mineral or synthetic and contain nothing from animals. Yeast also makes bread rise, but it is a living ingredient and does not carry an E-number.
Self-raising flour already contains a raising agent, so recipes that use it do not need baking powder added.