Ingredient

Sodium Hydroxide

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Sodium hydroxide is used to alter the pH of foods, which can affect texture …

What it is

Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali, also known as lye. It is manufactured industrially and is commonly used in food processing. It is a white solid that is highly soluble in water.

Why it's used

Sodium hydroxide is used to alter the pH of foods, which can affect texture and preservation. It is also used in the "lye treatment" process for some baked goods like pretzels and bagels, giving them a distinct chewy texture and brown crust. It can also be used to remove the skins from fruits and vegetables during processing.

Health notes

In the U.S., sodium hydroxide is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used for food processing. When used in food, it is neutralized and present in very small amounts. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated it. There are no widespread controversies regarding its use in food at typical levels.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing Sodium Hydroxide

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ALKALIFE Alkaline Spring Water With Electrolytes Water 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs SUMMER FRESH Pad Thai In A Spicy Chili Garlic Vinaigrette Pasta Dinners 280kcal 6Protein 12Fat 37Carbs AUNTIEANNE'S Pretzel Sandwich Rolls Breads & Buns 282kcal 7.7Protein 3.2Fat 56.4Carbs Rice & Chicken White Chicken Meat And Rice With Carrots And Peas In A Savory Sauce, Rice & Chicken Hormel Foods Corporation Rice & Chicken White Chicken Meat And Rice With Carrots And Peas In A Savory Sauce, Rice & Chicken Pizza Mixes & Other Dry Dinners High in sodium — 39% DV per serving 85kcal 3.3Protein 1.6Fat 14.1Carbs Corn Tortillas LIDL Corn Tortillas Mexican Dinner Mixes 191kcal 4.3Protein 2.1Fat 38.3Carbs Catallia Mexican Foods LLC White Corn Tortillas Mexican Dinner Mixes 192kcal 3.9Protein 1.9Fat 40.4Carbs TONY'S CHOCOLONELY Dark Milk Chocolate Pretzel Toffee, Dark Milk Chocolate Chocolate High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 20% DV per serving 536kcal 7.1Protein 32.1Fat 46.4Carbs WHITMAN'S Assorted Milk And Dark Chocolates, Caramel, Nut Caramel, Solid Chocolate Messenger, Peanut Cluster, Orange Cream, Peanut Chew, Chocolate Butter Cream, Vanilla Cream, Coconut Cream, Chocolate Nut Fudge, Caramel, Nut Caramel, Cashew Cluster, Orange Cream, C Chocolate High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 414kcal 3.5Protein 20.7Fat 62.1Carbs Fat Free Whipped Topping Kraft Heinz Foods Company Fat Free Whipped Topping Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 167kcal 0Protein 0Fat 33.3Carbs Kraft Heinz Foods Company Skim Milk American Singles Cheese Slices Cheese 132kcal 21.1Protein 0Fat 10.5Carbs Kraft Heinz Foods Company Skim Milk Sharp Cheddar Cheese Slices Cheese 132kcal 21.1Protein 0Fat 10.5Carbs Conagra Foods-Snack Foods Group Slim Jim, Smoked Snack Stick, Tabasco Spiced, Tabasco Spiced Other Snacks High in sodium — 22% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 500kcal 21.9Protein 43.8Fat 6.2Carbs
Salt (355 products) Water (336 products) Sugar (306 products) Natural Flavors (214 products) Citric Acid (209 products) Soy Lecithin (198 products) Corn Syrup (193 products) Soybean Oil (187 products) Maltodextrin (186 products) Preservatives (155 products)

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.