Can I Use Bicarbonate Of Soda Instead Of Baking Powder? Find Out!

Last Updated on July 9, 2022 by Claire

Bicarbonate soda and baking soda powder have common leavening agents for baking. A leavening ingredient aids in raising baked goods like bread and cake. They may have a similar sound and appearance, but they operate in different ways. So, can I use bicarbonate of soda instead of baking powder? 

The answer to this question is Yes. The general rule to keep in mind is that the bicarbonate of soda has three times the strength of baking powder. In other words, if the original recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of baking powder, you only need 1 teaspoon of baking soda as a substitute. A teaspoon of acids, such as vinegar or lemon juice, is also required for every 1/2 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda.

How To Replace Baking Powder With Bicarbonate Of Soda

Bicarbonate of soda and baking powder are both leavening substances, however, they differ chemically. The main distinction is that sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is an alkaline base. Suppose you’ve been baking for a long time. In that case, you may have noticed that many recipes that call for baking soda also contain an acidic ingredient, such as vinegar (for red velvet cake), yogurt (for chocolate and vanilla-base cakes), or lemon juice. 

The interaction of an acid and an alkaline interaction results in the formation of carbon dioxide bubbles. This creates the leavening in your batter or dough. While the bicarbonate of soda may still bubble up when heated, it needs to react with acid to prevent giving your cake, brownie, or cookie a metallic taste, which is the last thing you want.

On the other hand, baking powder is a concoction of baking soda, acid, and some corn starch to maintain the two different chemicals’ dryness and separation. Most baking powders sold in local supermarkets are described as “double-acting,” which implies that when employed, some leavening occurs as soon as the baking powder comes into contact with water. The remaining leavening occurs after it has been heated. 

Baking powder is frequently utilized for recipes using non-acidic components like whole milk and Dutch-processed chocolate. On the other hand, the bicarbonate of soda is more frequently employed in recipes that call for acidic components like yogurt and natural chocolate since it needs to react with acid.

Can One Be Used In Place Of The Other?

Can I use bicarbonate of soda instead of baking powder? Fortunately, yes, and it’s not that difficult. Just keep in mind that the bicarbonate of soda has three times the strength of baking powder. Therefore, if the original recipe calls for three teaspoons of baking powder, you only need one teaspoon of baking soda in its place. For every half teaspoon of baking soda, you’ll also need one teaspoon of some acid (such as vinegar or lemon juice).

In contrast, if you’re substituting baking powder for bicarbonate of soda and the recipe calls for one teaspoon of baking soda, you’ll need three teaspoons of baking powder. Here’s another interesting statistic: If you’re watching the amount of salt in your baked goods, omit the baking powder as you continue with the rest of the baking procedure.

There’s no need to run out and buy baking soda the next time you bake. Simply grab some baking powder, use three times the recommended amount, and omit the salt. Have only bicarbonate of soda and no baking powder? Adjust the amount of acid in your ingredients by dividing the desired amount by three. 

Why Are Both Used In Some Recipes?

Like most bakers out there, you may have wondered why certain recipes ask for both bicarbonates of soda and baking powder. Why use them both at once if they both act as leavening agents and essentially accomplish the same thing to baked goods?

The need for acid is the key to everything. The bicarbonate of soda needs some acid to activate and release the carbon dioxide that leavens the batter. In some recipes, baking powder is added simultaneously with the acid to ensure that there is sufficient acid to neutralize the soda. Both might be included for their complementary brown color and sour flavor.

Comparison Between Bicarbonate Of Soda And Baking Powder

People use the white powders of soda and baking powder bicarbonate when they bake. They both taste a little bit bitter. They serve diverse purposes and have different chemical makeups.

Sodium bicarbonate is what makes baking soda. When combined with an acid, sodium bicarbonate, an alkaline salt molecule, releases carbon dioxide gas. Dough or batter rises as a result of carbon dioxide.

Sodium bicarbonate is combined with cornstarch, an acid (often cream of tartar), and baking powder. Carbon dioxide is created when heat and moisture are combined.

When To Use Bicarbonate Of Soda

Bicarbonate of soda is frequently included in recipes that call for acidic ingredients, such as buttermilk or cocoa powder. Because it reacts with acid when it is added to a mixture, producing carbon dioxide. The batter expands and rises during baking in a hot oven, giving the final product light and fluffy texture.

Bicarbonate of soda also aids in the browning of baked goods. That implies that people frequently utilize it to create items like cookies. Bicarbonate of soda is also used as an ingredient in toothpaste, other personal care items, and cosmetics.

Some people mix bicarbonate of soda and water to temporarily ease acid reflux. It neutralizes stomach acidity similarly to over-the-counter antacids since it has an alkaline Ph. Before consuming it, a person should consult a doctor because it can alter how the body absorbs other medications.

When To Use Baking Powder 

Acid is already included in baking powder. People substitute baking powder when an acidic component is absent from a recipe.

Most of the time, baking powder is labeled as double-acting by manufacturers. That indicates that when combined with a liquid, it will activate or begin producing carbon dioxide. When they cook or heat the combination, it will reactivate.

Baking powder and bicarbonate of soda are both used in some recipes. When the bicarbonate of soda by itself cannot leaven the batter sufficiently by producing carbon dioxide, this usually provides an additional lift.

Some Recipes With Bicarbonate Of Soda

  • My New Favorite Oatmeal Cookies
  • Mini Banana Bread Loaves
  • Snickerdoodles
  • Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

Some Recipes With Baking Powder

  • Bubble Waffles
  • Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread
  • Beer Bread
  • Apple Coffee Cake
  • Dried Cherry Scones

Best Bicarbonate Of Soda For Multi-Use

Nutricost Sodium Bicarbonate

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The serving size of Nutricost Sodium Bicarbonate powder is 1,512. Sodium Bicarbonate is present in 600mg per serving. It is GMO-free and gluten-free. Nutricost, based in the United States, exclusively employs the highest quality ingredients to provide maximum quality and make you feel your best! Nutricost provides the most excellent experience possible by keeping its recipes simple and clean. All Nutricost supplements are made in a GMP-compliant and FDA-registered facility, including high-quality ingredients, and give a choice of solutions for health support.

Dr. Oetker Bicarbonate of Soda

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Dr. Oetker Bicarbonate of Soda is a mild-raising agent widely used in gingerbread, parkin, and soda bread. A Baking Tradition Dr. August Oetker created ‘Backin,’ an improved kind of Baking Powder contained in compact sachets, in Bielefeld, Germany, in 1893. It ensured ideal outcomes and a big success.

Is Bicarbonate Of Soda An Acceptable Substitute For Baking Soda?

Yes, Pure sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is a fine, white powder with numerous applications. Baking soda and bicarbonate of soda are just different names for the same ingredient, in case you were wondering. Bicarbonate of soda is simply baking soda when it appears in a recipe.

Can I Substitute Baking Soda For Baking Powder In Banana Bread?

Banana bread may often be made with either baking soda OR baking powder, as both components will cause the bread to rise. Baking powder can leaven banana bread without including acidic substances, but baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients in the mixture to rise your bread. So when you ask, can I use bicarbonate of soda instead of baking powder, you should know they can be substituted.

Is Baking Powder The Same As Bicarbonate Of Soda?

What distinguishes baking powder and bicarbonate of soda? They are both leavening agents, after all. As a result, your batter develops air bubbles, which expand as it cooks and causes the batter to rise. The distinction is that bicarb soda is present in baking powder.

How Can I Replace 1 Tablespoon Of Baking Powder?

Although you can simply switch baking soda for baking powder, other steps are involved. Baking soda is three times as powerful as baking powder, so if a recipe asks for one tablespoon of baking powder, use one teaspoon instead.

Why Do You Put Baking Soda In Cakes?

Both baking soda and baking powder are leavening ingredients that make cakes, muffins, and quick bread rise by releasing carbon dioxide gas bubbles. One of the elements required to manufacture baking powder is the bicarbonate of soda.

Conclusion On Can I Use Bicarbonate Of Soda Instead Of Baking Powder

Can I use bicarbonate of soda instead of baking powder? Yes, you can, though you have to check which quantity you can substitute with the other. Despite having a similar appearance, both of them differ in their chemical makeup and intended applications. Baking powder also includes cornstarch and an acid, like cream of tartar, whereas baking soda is only pure sodium bicarbonate.

A rising agent called baking soda includes one or more acidic substances, like buttermilk or cocoa powder. For recipes with little or no ingredients that contain acids, baking powder is preferable. Baking soda aids in the crispiness and lightness of fried meals. Additionally, it helps with cleaning and stain removal.