Although caustic soda and edible soda are both alkaline, they differ significantly in terms of composition, use, and safety.
1 Ingredients: Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide, is a strong base that is strongly corrosive. Whereas edible alkali, usually referred to as sodium carbonate, is a relatively mild alkaline substance, also known as edible soda ash.
2 Uses: Caustic soda is widely used in industry, such as making pulp, detergents, and chemical reagents. Due to its strong corrosive nature, caustic soda is not suitable for food or household use. In contrast, edible alkali plays an important role in food production, such as neutralizing acidity, increasing the viscoelasticity of dough, and acting as a preservative.
3 Safety: Because caustic soda is highly corrosive, contact with ** or accidental ingestion may cause serious injury. In contrast, edible alkali is relatively mild, but excessive intake may still affect the body's acid-base balance.
Overall, caustic soda and edible soda differ significantly in terms of composition, use, and safety. In daily life, we should avoid using caustic soda instead of edible soda to ensure food safety. If alkaline substances are to be used, it is recommended to use edible alkali that meets food safety standards.