Ammonium
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What it is
Ammonium is a compound made of nitrogen and hydrogen. It occurs naturally in the environment and is also produced industrially. In food, it's often used in the form of ammonium bicarbonate or ammonium carbonate.
Why it's used
Ammonium compounds like ammonium bicarbonate and carbonate act as leavening agents. They release carbon dioxide gas when heated, which causes doughs to rise and become lighter. They are commonly found in crackers, cookies, and some baked goods.
Health notes
Ammonium bicarbonate and carbonate are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. These compounds are broken down into ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water during digestion. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated ammonium compounds. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical dietary intake.
Allergen info
Ammonium itself is not an allergen. It is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.