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Sodium hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide suppliers and sourcing guide

Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali used in food processing for pH adjustment, alkalizing cocoa, the lye bath on pretzels, curing table olives, peeling some fruits and vegetables, and refining oils, and in cosmetics to make soap and neutralize acids. It is made mainly by electrolysis of sodium chloride brine, which also yields chlorine. Brands buy it as a 50 percent or more dilute solution, or as solid flakes, beads or pellets in food or pharmaceutical grades.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Caustic soda · Lye · Soda lye · E524 · NaOH
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of sodium hydroxide

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • 50 percent solution

    The most common bulk form, delivered by tote or tanker.

  • Dilute solutions

    Ready-to-use solutions at lower concentrations for smaller plants and pH dosing.

  • Flakes, beads or pellets

    Solid forms for soap makers and small batches.

  • Food and NF grades

    Grades tested to FCC or National Formulary specifications, with low mercury from membrane-cell production.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Total alkalinity (titration)
NaOH content by acid titration, the figure used for dosing.
Sodium carbonate
Carbonate formed from absorbed carbon dioxide, reported by titration.
Mercury
Mercury by cold-vapor AA or ICP-MS, which depends on the production process.
Lead and heavy metals
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS against FCC limits.
Chloride and iron
Process impurities that can affect color and corrosion.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep sodium hydroxide in sealed, compatible containers (not aluminum, zinc or tin), away from acids, and in a dry area; solids absorb water and carbon dioxide from air. A 50 percent solution starts to solidify around 12 °C, so tanks and lines are often heated. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with a retest of assay for opened or aged stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record concentration and form for each lot and recalculate additions when it changes. Note the production process and mercury result if your customers specify membrane-grade material, and rotate stock FEFO.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Sodium hydroxide suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking sodium hydroxide suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of sodium hydroxide can brands buy?

Common forms include 50 percent solution, dilute solutions, flakes, beads or pellets and food and NF grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for sodium hydroxide include?

Expect total alkalinity (titration), sodium carbonate, mercury, lead and heavy metals and chloride and iron, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should sodium hydroxide be stored?

Keep sodium hydroxide in sealed, compatible containers (not aluminum, zinc or tin), away from acids, and in a dry area; solids absorb water and carbon dioxide from air. A 50 percent solution starts to solidify around 12 °C, so tanks and lines are often heated. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with a retest of assay for opened or aged stock.

What is the regulatory status of sodium hydroxide?

21 CFR 184.1763 affirms sodium hydroxide as GRAS as a direct human food ingredient, used as a pH control agent and processing aid. 7 CFR 205.605(b) allows sodium hydroxide in organic products but prohibits it for lye peeling of fruits and vegetables. Health Canada's List of Permitted pH Adjusting Agents, Acid-Reacting Materials and Water Correcting Agents includes sodium hydroxide, starting with margarine.

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