How are Baking Powders Different? (2024)

FAQs

How are Baking Powders Different? ›

Baking soda and baking powder are not the same. Sodium bicarbonate and bicarbonate of soda are other names for baking soda. Baking powder is made of baking soda plus cream of tartar and cornstarch. Baking powder can be substituted for baking soda by tripling the amount of baking powder.

With Baking Powder, Brand Doesn't Matter

Different companies use different blends of starches, alkalis, and acids, and some may offer various certifications (gluten-free, kosher, etc.), but they're all formulated to produce a two-stage reaction to a relatively equivalent degree.

Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate. Recipes that already have some sort of acid, buttermilk for example, will generally use baking soda. Baking powder is sodium bicarbonate combined with a powdered acid; it is pre-packaged to react in the presence of moisture and heat.

Unlike baking soda, baking powder already contains an acidic ingredient. Because of this, it only requires water to activate. It's important to note that some baking powders are double-acting. This means that they will activate a second time when introduced to heat.

Simply, without these leaveners, many cookies would fall flat and cake layers would be dense and stodgy. But baking powder and soda are not interchangeable, and if you're out of one, the other won't act as a direct substitute (though it can be part of the solution—more on that below).

There are two types of baking powder: single action and double action. Single action baking powder creates the carbon dioxide bubbles upon contact with moisture, similar to baking soda. Also similarly, that quick reaction means you need to get the batter or dough into the oven quickly.

Choosing a baking powder that doesn't contain aluminum will eliminate the possibility of any unwanted metallic tastes, and the tiny catch is an easy one.

Using the wrong leavening agent

If you accidentally add baking soda instead of baking powder to baked goods, they won't rise because there is not enough acid.

Unopened baking powder can be stored for up to 18 months and still be fresh and effective. After that, you'll likely notice a loss of potency when using it in baking recipes. Opened baking powder should be used within 6 months.

When to use which one. Baking soda is used in recipes that also include an acidic ingredient, such as cream of tartar, buttermilk, or citrus juice. Conversely, baking powder is typically used when the recipe doesn't feature an acidic ingredient, as the powder already includes the acid needed to produce carbon dioxide.

Does Bob's Red Mill baking powder contain aluminum? ›

It is gluten free and contains no added aluminum.

Many recipes need both kinds of reactions to achieve the intended overall balance of flavor and texture, which is why you'll often see both baking soda and baking powder in a recipe. Even though the ingredients are both adding air during the baking process, they're complements, not substitutes.

Fleischmann's baking powder contains sodium acid pyrophosphate and monocalcium phosphate. Magic baking powder contains monocalcium phosphate. Great value baking powder contains sodium aluminum sulfate and monocalcium phosphate.

Substitute each teaspoon (5 grams) of baking powder in the recipe with 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) vinegar. Summary: Each teaspoon (5 grams) of baking powder can be replaced with a 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) baking soda and a 1/2 teaspoon vinegar.

Baking powder, in particular, is one of those ingredients you can easily run out of without noticing, but when it comes to baking, it does a very particular job, and can be difficult to replace. Most baked goods need a leavening agent to make them rise, and if you leave it out, your cake or your cookies will fall flat.

You technically can leave out baking soda in certain recipes (like chocolate chip cookies or pancakes) in a pinch, but you need to understand that your finished product will not be as light and fluffy as the recipe intended.

Trusted for decades, you can rely on the time-tested baking powder from the Rumford brand. Rumford baking powder is a balanced, double-acting baking powder, and is a gluten free product and Non-GMO Project Verified. Baking powder is a chemical leavener that is used to make batters and doughs rise.

To check if your baking powder is still active, pour 1/4 cup boiling water over 1/2 tsp baking powder. If it bubbles, it's still good. If not, it's no good! If it foams when you pour over boiling water, the baking powder is active!

Multiple sources state that generic baking items such as cake mixes, baking soda and sugar are preferred by professional chefs to name-brand products. The Kitchn says that your buck goes farther with store brand products in this category because the quality difference is relatively small, if non-existent.

It is quite simple: read the label of your baking powder container. Make sure it is labelled “aluminum-free”, “non-GMO cornstarch” or “organic cornstarch”, and “wheat-free”. Sometimes “organic rice starch” replaces corn starch and this is good option as well.