Ammonium carbonates
Learn what Ammonium carbonates (E503) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Generally recognized as safeWhat is Ammonium carbonates?
Food additive used as a stabilizer, acidity regulator, and leavening agent, obtained from ammonium sulfate and calcium carbonate, which are natural minerals. It is added in the quantities specified in recipes for dairy products, cheeses, milk-based desserts, ice cream, spreadable emulsified fats, vegetable, fruit, meat, fish, egg products, cereals, pasta, dough, bakery products, confectionery, sauces, condiments, salads, soups, dietary products, nutritional supplements, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, etc.
Why is Ammonium carbonates added to food?
Ammonium carbonates (E503) is a leavening agent commonly found in: Dairy desserts, cakes.
Permitted quantity: No daily intake limit.
Is Ammonium carbonates safe?
Generally recognized as safe
No secondary effects have been reported at the quantities incorporated in food.
Is Ammonium carbonates banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Ammonium carbonates okay for kids?
It is also used in cereals intended for healthy infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Ammonium carbonates
- Dairy desserts
- cakes
See the full list of foods that contain Ammonium carbonates →
How to spot Ammonium carbonates on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E503
- Ammonium carbonates
Common misspellings to watch for:
- ammonium carbondtes
- ammonium earbonates
- dmmonium carbonates
- ammonlum carbonates
- ammonium carbonates
- ammonium cdrbonates
- ammonium carbonate$
Better alternatives
• People with kidney or liver conditions should consult a doctor before consuming products containing ammonium carbonates, as excess ammonia may put additional pressure on these organs. • People with allergies to ammonia or those who have had adverse reactions to similar additives should avoid foods containing this ingredient. • Although considered safe for most people, those with a sensitive digestive system or gastrointestinal conditions should avoid foods containing ammonium carbonates, as it may cause stomach discomfort.
Also known as
- ammonium carbondtes
- ammonium earbonates
- dmmonium carbonates
- ammonlum carbonates
- ammonium carbonates
- ammonium cdrbonates
- ammonium carbonate$
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Ammonium carbonates? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E503 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Ammonium carbonates
- Is Ammonium carbonates safe to eat?
- No secondary effects have been reported at the quantities incorporated in food.
- Is Ammonium carbonates banned anywhere?
- Ammonium carbonates is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Ammonium carbonates safe for children?
- It is also used in cereals intended for healthy infants and young children.
- How do I spot Ammonium carbonates on a food label?
- Look for E503, Ammonium carbonates in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: ammonium carbondtes, ammonium earbonates, dmmonium carbonates.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.