Ingredient

Levening

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers use leavening agents to improve the texture and appearance of baked goods. They …

What it is

Leavening agents are substances that cause doughs and batters to rise, creating a lighter texture and increasing volume. They work by producing gas, typically carbon dioxide, which expands when heated during baking. Common leavening agents include baking soda, baking powder, yeast, and ammonium carbonate.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use leavening agents to improve the texture and appearance of baked goods. They are essential in products like cakes, breads, muffins, and cookies, helping them achieve a desirable airy and tender crumb. Leavening agents are also used in some fried items to create a lighter, crispier crust.

Health notes

Leavening agents are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have not established upper intake levels for most common leavening agents. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated various leavening agents, and their use is permitted in many countries. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical dietary intake.

Allergen info

Most common leavening agents are not derived from major allergens. However, some baking powders may contain wheat starch, and yeast is a fungus, not an allergen. Gluten is not present in pure leavening agents but can be present in the final food product from other ingredients.

Products containing Levening

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Maple Donuts Inc Powdered Cake Mini Donuts Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 422kcal 0Protein 24.4Fat 48.9Carbs Hansen's Dairy, Inc. Flat Bread Pizza, Margherita Breads & Buns High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 317kcal 11.7Protein 19.2Fat 25Carbs Whistle Stops Holly Sweets Butter Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 316kcal 3.5Protein 12.3Fat 45.6Carbs Whistle Stops Pudding Cake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 351kcal 3.5Protein 14.0Fat 52.6Carbs United States Bakery Old Fashioned Donut Holes Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 395kcal 2.3Protein 16.3Fat 60.5Carbs Hansen's Dairy, Inc. Flat Bread Pizza, BBQ Chicken Other Deli High in sodium — 36% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 248kcal 11.4Protein 8.7Fat 30.2Carbs Saker ShopRites, Inc. Glazed Lemon Pudding Cake, Glazed Lemon Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 494kcal 5.3Protein 26.5Fat —Carbs Whistle Stops Orange Pineapple Pie, Orange Pineapple Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 316kcal 3.5Protein 12.3Fat 47.4Carbs Coffee Baking Co Red Velvet Cake With Homemade Cream Cheese Icing Famous Southern Pudding Cake, Red Velvet Other Frozen Desserts High in sodium — 22% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 27% DV per serving 680kcal 49.8Protein 48.1Fat 8.3Carbs Coffee Baking Co Cinnamon Swirl With Homemade Cream Cheese Icing, Cinnamon Swirl Other Frozen Desserts High in sodium — 22% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 27% DV per serving 680kcal 49.8Protein 48.1Fat 8.3Carbs Coffee Baking Co Lemon Cake With Homemade Cream Cheese Icing, Lemon Other Frozen Desserts High in sodium — 22% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 27% DV per serving 680kcal 49.8Protein 48.1Fat 8.3Carbs Coffee Baking Co Chocolate Cake With Homemade Cream Cheese Icing, Chocolate Other Frozen Desserts High in sodium — 22% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 27% DV per serving 680kcal 49.8Protein 48.1Fat 8.3Carbs

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.