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Baking essentials · Leavening

Baking soda

Pure sodium bicarbonate: a strong alkaline raising agent that needs an acid in the recipe to work. Also browns and tenderises.

Also called: bicarbonate of soda, bicarb, sodium bicarbonate, karbonat

55 recipes with it

What it is

Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) is a fine white alkaline powder. It releases carbon dioxide only when it meets an acid such as buttermilk, yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, natural cocoa or cream of tartar, and it starts reacting as soon as it is wet, so batters should be baked promptly. It is roughly three to four times as strong as baking powder. It also raises pH, which speeds browning and softens pulses and vegetables.

How it’s used

  • Leavening buttermilk pancakes, soda bread and cookies
  • Spreading and browning cookies
  • Tenderising meat for Chinese velveting
  • Softening dried chickpeas and beans when cooking
  • Alkaline bath for pretzels

Characteristics

Taste
Soapy and bitter if not balanced by acid.
When cooked
Use small amounts (typically about 1/4 tsp per 125 g flour); too much gives a soapy taste, a coarse crumb and yellow-brown spots.
Sold as
powder
Cooking uses
Used for leavening, Suitable for baking

Storage

Pantry-stable. Keep closed and dry; test by adding a pinch to vinegar, which should fizz at once.

Diet, allergens and safety

No major allergens in typical versions.

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Caffeine-free
  • Do not consume large amounts; it is a strong alkali. Not the same as washing soda (sodium carbonate), which must not be eaten.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy
0 kcal
Protein
0 g
Carbohydrate
0 g
Fat
0 g
Fibre
0 g
Sugars
0 g

USDA FoodData Central: Leavening agents, baking soda.

Substitutes

Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.

  • Baking powder — Use about 3 times as much and expect a paler, less spread result; only works if the flavour of extra powder is acceptable.

Related ingredients

Recipes with baking soda

See all 55

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