Ingredient

Salt Leavening

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add salt leavening agents to baked goods to help them rise and achieve …

What it is

Salt leavening refers to the use of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or ammonium bicarbonate as leavening agents. Baking soda is a chemical compound that releases carbon dioxide gas when heated or mixed with an acid. This gas causes doughs and batters to rise, creating a lighter texture in baked goods.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add salt leavening agents to baked goods to help them rise and achieve a desirable texture. They are commonly found in cookies, biscuits, cakes, muffins, and pastries. These ingredients react to produce the gas bubbles that make baked items fluffy and airy.

Health notes

Sodium bicarbonate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. It is a common ingredient in many foods and is also used as an antacid. While generally safe, excessive intake of sodium can contribute to high blood pressure in some individuals. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated sodium bicarbonate and have not set a numerical limit for its use.

Allergen info

Salt leavening agents are not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. They do not contain gluten.

Products containing Salt Leavening

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Dean Foods Company Dean's, Country Fresh, Premium Ice Cream, Cookies 'N Cream, Cookies 'N Cream Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 231kcal 3.1Protein 10.8Fat 29.2Carbs Fred's, Inc. Fred's, Freddie O's, Sandwich Cookies, Chocolate, Chocolate Cookies & Biscuits 441kcal 2.9Protein 17.6Fat 70.6Carbs Stockmeyer Export Gmbh Chocolate & Vanilla Shortbread Duo, Chocolate & Vanilla Cookies & Biscuits High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving 515kcal 6.1Protein 27.3Fat 57.6Carbs The Kroger Co. Corn Dogs Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 27% DV per serving 289kcal 7.9Protein 14.5Fat 31.6Carbs Premium Chocolatiers LLC Lis Bakery, Cake, Raisin, Raisin Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 386kcal 5.3Protein 15.8Fat 52.6Carbs King's Command Food, Inc. Kings Command Foods Fully Cooked Breaded Low Sodium Veal Patties, 60-4 Ounce Portions Per 15 Pound Net Weight Master Case Meat/Poultry/Other Animals Prepared/Processed 177kcal 15.2Protein 6.2Fat 15.0Carbs Nutrisystem, Inc. Muffins, Blueberry Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries 298kcal 12.3Protein 5.3Fat 49.1Carbs Snyder's-Lance, Inc. Lance, Gold-N-Chees, Baked Snack Crackes Flavored Snack Crackers 457kcal 8.6Protein 14.3Fat 71.4Carbs Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Buttermilk Pancakes, Buttermilk Frozen Pancakes, Waffles, French Toast & Crepes 239kcal 6.8Protein 5.1Fat 41.0Carbs Bay Valley Foods, LLC Shortbread Cookies, Shortbread Cookies & Biscuits High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving —kcal 5.6Protein 30.6Fat 58.3Carbs Hy-Vee, Inc. Frosted Blueberry Toaster Pastries, Frosted Blueberry Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries 385kcal 3.9Protein 9.6Fat 71.2Carbs Bektrom Foods, Inc Fish Batter Mix For Baked Or Fried Fish, Fish Bread & Muffin Mixes 333kcal 11.1Protein 0Fat 66.7Carbs

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.