Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly alkaline compound essential in numerous food processing operations. In the food industry, it is used primarily as a processing aid for peeling fruits and vegetables, adjusting pH, and treating olives.
It plays a critical role in the production of cocoa and chocolate through the Dutch process, which modifies color and flavor. Sodium hydroxide is also used in pretzel and bagel production to create the characteristic dark, glossy crust. Food-grade sodium hydroxide is manufactured to stringent purity standards to ensure safety in all food contact applications.