Sodium carbonate is a common food additive classified as "generally recognized as safe" by the Food and Drug Administration. There are no restrictions on its use in food other than current good manufacturing practices. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee warns, however, that excessive sodium intake raises blood pressure and stroke risk, and that Americans consume too much sodium largely due to very high consumption of moderately high-sodium processed foods.
Dairy Products
According to the Codex Alimentarius, jointly published by the United Nations and the World Health Organization, sodium carbonate may be used as an acidity regulator, anticaking agent or stabilizer in a number of dairy products. These include dairy-based drinks such as chocolate milk, cocoa and eggnog; condensed and powdered milks; clotted cream; various cheeses; puddings; and fruit or flavored yogurts.
Sherbet
The Codex allows sodium bicarbonate to be used in edible ices, such as sherbet and sorbet. Paul Monk, author of "Physical Chemistry," explains that the fizzy taste of sherbet is produced by a chemical reaction between an acid and either simple carbonate or bicarbonate.
Processed Fruits and Vegetables
Frozen, dried, canned, jellied and candied fruits as well as dried, pickled and canned vegetables may all contain sodium carbonate, according to the Codex. A 1921 issue of "Canning Age" refers to the use of sodium carbonate to reduce acidity during the canning process. The Codex also includes coconut milk and peanut butter in the fruits and vegetables categories, though they are not typically thought of that way.
Confectionery
A wide variety of confectionery sweets may contain sodium carbonate, according to the Codex, including cocoa powder, syrup and spreads, hard and soft candies and chewing gum.
Cereal Products
According to the Codex, cereal products that may contain sodium carbonate include breakfast cereals, rolled oats, precooked pastas and noodles, rice cakes, soy milk and tofu. According to the blog Rameniac, sodium carbonate has been traditionally used in the making of ramen noodles and wonton wrappers. Baked goods such as bread, crackers, cakes, cookies and pies also may contain sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate as a leavening agent, and according to the Dietary Guidelines, are a major source of sodium.
Processed Meats
Processed meat and poultry are also a major source of sodium, according to the Dietary Guidelines. These include cured, fermented and frozen meat and poultry, whether whole, cut or fully processed, such as hot dogs or chicken nuggets. Canned, jellied, brined and fermented fish products may also contain sodium carbonate, as well as dried or preserved egg products.
Sweeteners and Condiments
Tabletop sweeteners, including high-intensity sweeteners such as saccharin, aspartame and sucralose, may contain sodium bicarbonate as an anticaking agent, according to the Codex. Also listed are vinegars, mustards, soups, broths and sauces, including soy sauce and miso paste.
Sport and Energy Drinks
Sport and energy drinks may contain sodium bicarbonate, as sodium is an electrolyte. According to Medline Plus, electrolytes carry electrical charges between cells to regulate blood chemistry and muscle activity, among other bodily processes. According to the Presidential Council on Fitness, sports drinks replenish electrolytes lost during exercise through sweat.
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