E290 – Carbon Dioxide
Description
Colorless, odorless gas
Notes
Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally in the atmosphere and is produced whenever organic materials burn or ferment. For commercial food use, it's typically captured as a byproduct from industrial processes like ethanol production or ammonia manufacturing, then purified to food-grade standards. It can also be produced by burning natural gas or other fuels in controlled environments, followed by purification to remove any impurities. In the food industry, carbon dioxide serves multiple purposes but is most famously used for carbonation in soft drinks, sparkling water, and beer, creating those refreshing bubbles we love. It's also used in food packaging as a protective atmosphere that helps extend shelf life by displacing oxygen, which can cause foods to spoil. Additionally, it's used in frozen food transport (as dry ice) and in some baking applications where it helps create light, airy textures. Carbon dioxide is completely natural - it's the same gas we exhale with every breath and that plants use for photosynthesis. It's suitable for all dietary restrictions including vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and halal diets since it's a simple chemical compound with no animal or plant-derived components. It's considered extremely safe for food use and is one of the most thoroughly studied and regulated food additives, with no known health concerns at the levels used in food and beverages.