A slurry comprising (a) sodium bicarbonate, (b) sodium chloride, and (c) water, in a weight ratio of (a)/(b) of about 2.5:1 to about 3.5:1, wherein upon further dilution of said slurry with additional water, the amount of sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride which dissolves into said additional water is in the same ratio as said of (a)/(b) in said slurry before said additional dilution.