Edible lye: is different from industrial lye soda (sodium carbonate) (chemical formula Na2CO3) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) (chemical formula NaHCO3), baking soda is a manufactured product after absorbing carbon dioxide from a solution or crystal of soda ash, and there is no difference between the two on this system. Therefore, edible soda is also called baking soda (in powder form) in some places. Edible soda is in solid state, round, white in color and soluble in water. I hope it can help you.