Ammonium Bicarbonate Ammonium bicarbonate is an inorganic salt produced by reacting ammonia with carbon dioxide and water, serving as a heat-activated leavening agent that decomposes into ammonia, CO2, and water leaving no residue. In the food industry, it provides superior lift in low-moisture baked goods where complete volatilization prevents aftertaste, ideal for delicate textures requiring maximum volume without acidic components.