Ingredient

Ammonium Carbonate Acid

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Ammonium carbonate is used as a leavening agent in baking, particularly in traditional European …

What it is

Ammonium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula (NH4)2CO3. It is a mixture of ammonium carbamate and ammonium bicarbonate. It is produced commercially by reacting ammonia and carbon dioxide.

Why it's used

Ammonium carbonate is used as a leavening agent in baking, particularly in traditional European recipes for cookies and crackers. It produces carbon dioxide and ammonia gas when heated, causing baked goods to rise and become crisp.

Health notes

In the U.S., ammonium carbonate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. It is considered safe when consumed in amounts typically found in food. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated ammonium carbonate, and its use is permitted in many countries.

Allergen info

Ammonium carbonate is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Ammonium Carbonate Acid

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Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.