{"id":34889,"date":"2025-03-21T06:00:32","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T10:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/?p=34889"},"modified":"2025-03-21T06:30:56","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T10:30:56","slug":"baking-powder-vs-baking-soda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/","title":{"rendered":"Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda (Video)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Become a better baker by learning the similarities and differences between <strong>baking powder vs. baking soda<\/strong>. In this article and accompanying video tutorial, you&#8217;ll learn why and when to use one or the other (or both!), in easy-to-understand language\u2014no chemistry degree required!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/?tp_image_id=145991\"  data-pin-description=\"Become a better baker by learning the similarities and differences between baking powder vs baking soda. In this article and accompanying video tutorial, you'll learn why and when to use one or the other (or both!), in easy-to-understand language\u2014no chemistry degree required! Recipe on sallysbakingaddiction.com\" src=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-comparison-2.jpg\" alt=\"baking soda vs baking powder photo.\" class=\"wp-image-145991\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-comparison-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-comparison-2-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-comparison-2-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-comparison-2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve ever wondered about the difference between baking powder and baking soda, and why some recipes call for one or both, you&#8217;ve come to the right place. Understanding the science behind this simple question is essential to your baking recipes turning out as expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I Substitute Baking Powder for Baking Soda (&amp; Vice Versa)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most common baking questions I\u2019m asked is whether you can substitute baking powder for baking soda. The simple answer is no. They\u2019re both leaveners, whose primary function is to make baked goods rise in the oven, but they are chemically different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">If there is one thing that you take away from today&#8217;s lesson, let it be this: <strong>baking powder and baking soda are not the same, and you should not substitute one for the other in a recipe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading heading-star\">5 Min. Video: Baking Powder vs Baking Soda<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda | Sally&#039;s Baking\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3iBp9L15HnM?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are Leaveners?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>Baking powder and baking soda&nbsp;are both chemical leavening agents. You use leavening agents\u2014or leaveners\u2014in baking because they help the dough or batter to rise and expand. These two white powders are both made from the chemical sodium bicarbonate, which, when combined with an acid, produces carbon dioxide (CO2). That gas is what lifts up your baked goods in the oven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(FYI: Some examples of <em>natural<\/em> leavening agents are <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-with-yeast\/\">yeast<\/a>, eggs, sourdough starter, and steam.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Baking Soda?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>Let\u2019s start with baking soda, aka bicarbonate of soda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Baking soda<\/strong> <strong>is<\/strong> <strong>pure sodium bicarbonate<\/strong>, with nothing else added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you remember the model volcano experiment from grade school science class, where you mix baking soda with vinegar and get an eruption of bubbles? When you mix baking soda, a BASE (pH value above 7), with vinegar, an ACID (pH value below 7), you get a chemical reaction: an eruption of bubbles. A product of this reaction is carbon dioxide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same reaction happens in our cookies, cakes, and muffins. When a recipe calls for baking soda, it usually calls for some type of ACID. Common acidic ingredients include buttermilk, brown sugar, yogurt, vinegar, cream of tartar, molasses, applesauce, honey, natural cocoa powder (<em>not<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-basics-dutch-process-natural-cocoa-powder\/\">Dutch-process cocoa<\/a>), and lemon juice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"841\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/?tp_image_id=128081\"  data-pin-description=\"How to make lemon poppy seed muffins on sallysbakingaddiction.com\"  data-pin-nopin=\"nopin\" src=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/batter-for-lemon-poppy-seed-muffins.jpg\" alt=\"yellow batter in glass bowl and divided into muffin liners.\" class=\"wp-image-128081\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/batter-for-lemon-poppy-seed-muffins.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/batter-for-lemon-poppy-seed-muffins-500x350.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/batter-for-lemon-poppy-seed-muffins-600x421.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You need this ACID in the recipe to react with the baking soda, which creates carbon dioxide and allows your baked good to rise<strong>.<\/strong> Like this <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/no-yeast-bread\/\">no-yeast bread<\/a> (soda bread), which gets all its lift from the chemical reaction between baking soda and buttermilk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Baking soda also helps baked goods brown better <\/strong>by raising the pH level of the batter. Creating a more alkaline environment speeds up the chemical reaction that happens between sugars and amino acids in the presence of heat, which causes browning and develops flavor. In fact, it&#8217;s part of the reason we boil <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/easy-homemade-soft-pretzels\/\">homemade soft pretzels<\/a> in a baking soda bath before baking. Pale pretzels aren&#8217;t nearly as appetizing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baking soda is about 3\u20134 times stronger than baking powder, so you don\u2019t need as much. More baking soda in a recipe doesn\u2019t necessarily mean more lift. You want to use *just enough* to react with the amount of acid in the recipe. Too much baking soda and not enough acid to neutralize it will give your baked goods a metallic, soapy aftertaste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good rule of thumb for baking is to use around 1\/4 teaspoon of baking soda per 1 cup  (125g) of flour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Baking Powder?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>Now let\u2019s talk about baking powder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Baking powder is a mix that contains baking soda, as well as a dry acid to neutralize it<\/strong>\u2014typically cream of tartar\u2014and sometimes cornstarch (a drying agent).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Because baking powder already contains an acid to neutralize its sodium bicarbonate, it is most often used when a recipe does not call for an additional acidic ingredient, like <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/best-sugar-cookies\/\">sugar cookies<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/scones-recipe\">scones<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/?tp_image_id=132046\"  data-pin-description=\"Deliciously flaky, crumbly, tender blueberry scones. Popular recipe! The secret is frozen butter and COLD heavy cream. Recipe on sallysbakingaddiction.com\"  data-pin-nopin=\"nopin\" src=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/homemade-blueberry-scones-2.jpg\" alt=\"blueberry scones with icing on lined baking sheet.\" class=\"wp-image-132046\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/homemade-blueberry-scones-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/homemade-blueberry-scones-2-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/homemade-blueberry-scones-2-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/homemade-blueberry-scones-2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/homemade-blueberry-scones-2-300x450.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>However, this isn\u2019t always the case. You can still use baking powder as the leavening agent in recipes calling for an acidic ingredient, particularly when you want the flavor of the acidic ingredient to shine through, like in a <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/iced-lemon-pound-cake\/\">lemon pound cake<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because it&#8217;s a mix, baking powder isn&#8217;t as strong as baking soda. A good rule of thumb is to use around 1 teaspoon of baking powder per 1 cup (125g) of flour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Double-Acting Baking Powder?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most baking powder sold today is \u201cdouble acting.\u201d This means that the <em>first<\/em> leavening occurs when baking powder gets wet\u2014like when you combine the dry and wet ingredients in the recipe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>second<\/em> leavening occurs when the baking powder is exposed to heat. This is why it\u2019s usually best to bake a batter right away\u2014because the baking powder has already been activated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An exception to this rule is <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/whole-wheat-pancakes-recipe\/\">pancakes<\/a>, when I recommend letting the batter sit for a few minutes before cooking. You want to give the first activation a little time to start working before you add heat, to get those bubbles going so your pancakes rise up nice and fluffy in only a few minutes on the hot griddle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/?tp_image_id=145897\"  data-pin-description=\"Become a better baker by learning the similarities and differences between baking powder vs baking soda. In this article and accompanying video tutorial, you'll learn why and when to use one or the other (or both!), in easy-to-understand language\u2014no chemistry degree required! Recipe on sallysbakingaddiction.com\" src=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder.jpg\" alt=\"box of baking soda and container of baking powder on peach surface.\" class=\"wp-image-145897\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Do Some Recipes Call for Both Baking Soda and Baking Powder?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The simplest answer is that sometimes <strong>you need more leavening than you have acid available.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a recipe contains an acid, like the sour cream in my <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/simply-perfect-vanilla-cupcakes\/\">vanilla cupcakes<\/a> recipe, but the carbon dioxide created from the acid + baking soda is not enough to leaven the volume of batter, we need to add baking powder as well, for necessary lift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another example for using both is my <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/buttermilk-pancakes-recipe\/\">buttermilk pancakes<\/a> recipe. In this recipe, you use buttermilk partly for its tangy flavor. If we used only baking soda, it could neutralize all of the buttermilk\u2019s acid and we\u2019d lose that tanginess! However, by including baking powder as well (which has its own acid), some of the buttermilk\u2019s flavor is left behind, and there is still enough leavening for fluffy pancakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/?tp_image_id=145167\"  data-pin-description=\"Anything but plain, these flavorful homemade buttermilk pancakes don't need any add-ins to taste special (though I won't fight you on adding chocolate chips!). Soft and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness, they're an ideal base for your favorite pancake toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, and more! Recipe on sallysbakingaddiction.com\"  data-pin-nopin=\"nopin\" src=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pancakes.jpg\" alt=\"pouring maple syrup on a stack of pancakes.\" class=\"wp-image-145167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pancakes.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pancakes-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pancakes-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pancakes-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another reason to use both baking powder and baking soda is because in addition to causing the baked good to rise and expand, they also affect both flavor and browning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let Me Show You the Difference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To demonstrate the importance of using the right amount and type of leavener in your baking recipes, I made 3 batches of <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/simply-perfect-vanilla-cupcakes\/\">vanilla cupcakes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/?tp_image_id=146014\"  data-pin-description=\"Become a better baker by learning the similarities and differences between baking powder vs baking soda. In this article and accompanying video tutorial, you'll learn why and when to use one or the other (or both!), in easy-to-understand language\u2014no chemistry degree required! Recipe on sallysbakingaddiction.com\"  data-pin-nopin=\"nopin\" src=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-mix-of-both.jpg\" alt=\"comparison photo of 3 vanilla cupcakes made with different leaveners.\" class=\"wp-image-146014\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-mix-of-both.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-mix-of-both-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-mix-of-both-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>I made the cupcakes as written, with 3\/4 teaspoon of baking powder and 1\/4 teaspoon of baking soda, which is the perfect balance for this batter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I made the cupcakes with 1 teaspoon of baking powder. It didn\u2019t brown enough, and it baked up short and squat because it didn\u2019t rise enough because baking powder isn\u2019t as strong as baking soda. The texture was gummy and dense.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I made the cupcakes with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. You can see that it browned too much, and also sank in the middle because the baking soda is too strong and there wasn\u2019t enough acid in the batter to neutralize it. And\u2014you&#8217;ll have to take my word for this\u2014it tasted AWFUL!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/?tp_image_id=145992\"  data-pin-description=\"Become a better baker by learning the similarities and differences between baking powder vs baking soda. In this article and accompanying video tutorial, you'll learn why and when to use one or the other (or both!), in easy-to-understand language\u2014no chemistry degree required! Recipe on sallysbakingaddiction.com\"  data-pin-nopin=\"nopin\" src=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-comparison.jpg\" alt=\"photo comparison of vanilla cupcakes made with baking powder, baking soda, and both.\" class=\"wp-image-145992\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-comparison.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-comparison-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-comparison-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder-comparison-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow the recipe as written with the combination of baking powder and baking soda for simply <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/simply-perfect-vanilla-cupcakes\/\">perfect vanilla cupcakes<\/a>. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/?tp_image_id=108701\"  data-pin-description=\"This is my favorite recipe for homemade vanilla cupcakes. Using creamed butter, cake flour, sour cream, and egg whites, these cupcakes are soft, sweet, fluffy, and infinitely buttery. Recipe on sallysbakingaddiction.com\"  data-pin-nopin=\"nopin\" src=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/homemade-vanilla-cupcakes-with-vanilla-buttercream-2.jpg\" alt=\"one vanilla cupcake topped with vanilla buttercream with bite taken out.\" class=\"wp-image-108701\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/homemade-vanilla-cupcakes-with-vanilla-buttercream-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/homemade-vanilla-cupcakes-with-vanilla-buttercream-2-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/homemade-vanilla-cupcakes-with-vanilla-buttercream-2-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/homemade-vanilla-cupcakes-with-vanilla-buttercream-2-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/homemade-vanilla-cupcakes-with-vanilla-buttercream-2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/homemade-vanilla-cupcakes-with-vanilla-buttercream-2-425x638.jpg 425w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/homemade-vanilla-cupcakes-with-vanilla-buttercream-2-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make Sure They&#8217;re Fresh<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>No matter which leavener you\u2019re using in your baking recipe,<strong> I recommend replacing baking powder and soda every 3 months<\/strong>, to make sure they\u2019re fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t bake often, you may need to test your baking powder and soda for effectiveness before using.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to Test Baking Powder for Freshness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To test baking powder, pour 3 Tablespoons of warm water into a small bowl. Add 1\/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Give it a stir. The mixture should moderately fizz if the baking powder is effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to Test Baking Soda for Freshness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To test baking soda, pour 3 Tablespoons of white distilled vinegar into a small bowl. Add 1\/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Give it a light stir. The mixture should rapidly bubble if the baking soda is effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" data-pin-url=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/?tp_image_id=145894\"  data-pin-description=\"Become a better baker by learning the similarities and differences between baking powder vs baking soda. In this article and accompanying video tutorial, you'll learn why and when to use one or the other (or both!), in easy-to-understand language\u2014no chemistry degree required! Recipe on sallysbakingaddiction.com\" src=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-powder-baking-soda.jpg\" alt=\"spoonfuls of baking soda and baking powder.\" class=\"wp-image-145894\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-powder-baking-soda.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-powder-baking-soda-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-powder-baking-soda-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-powder-baking-soda-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading heading-star\">Key Takeaways:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate. Use baking soda when the recipe calls for an acidic ingredient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Baking powder contains baking soda, plus other ingredients, including a dry acid. Use baking powder when there&#8217;s no additional acidic ingredient in the recipe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your recipe calls for both baking soda and baking powder, there&#8217;s a reason for that, so be sure to follow the recipe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Both leaveners are initially activated when combined with wet ingredients, so bake right away, unless your recipe instructs otherwise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep it fresh: Replace your leaveners 3 months after opening.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Remember that baking is science and it takes practice, trial and error, and the willingness to learn in order to succeed. If you&#8217;re interested in learning more, head on over to the <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/category\/baking-tips\/\">Baking Tips<\/a> section of my website. Here are just a few of the many helpful articles and video tutorials you will find there:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More Baking Tips &amp; How-Tos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-basics-dutch-process-natural-cocoa-powder\/\">Dutch-Process vs Natural Cocoa Powder<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/how-to-measure-baking-ingredients\/\">How to Properly Measure Ingredients<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/how-to-knead-dough\/\">How to Knead Dough<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/cake-pan-sizes\/\">Cake Pan Sizes &amp; Conversions<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/cake-flour-substitute\/\">DIY Cake Flour Substitute<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/buttermilk-substitute\/\">DIY Buttermilk Substitute<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-with-yeast\/\">Baking With Yeast Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Become a better baker by learning the similarities and differences between baking powder vs. baking soda. In this article and accompanying video tutorial, you&#8217;ll learn why and when to use one or the other (or both!), in easy-to-understand language\u2014no chemistry degree required!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":145897,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"limit_modified_date":"1","last_modified_date":"2025-03-21T06:30:56","footnotes":""},"categories":[500],"tags":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda (Video) - Sally&#039;s Baking<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Become a better baker by learning the differences between baking powder and baking soda\u2014in easy-to-understand language!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda (Video) - Sally&#039;s Baking\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Become a better baker by learning the differences between baking powder and baking soda\u2014in easy-to-understand language!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Sally&#039;s Baking\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-03-21T10:00:32+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-03-21T10:30:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Sally McKenney\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Sally McKenney\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Sally McKenney\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#\/schema\/person\/3744271f85efc7e271411c4968f1c4ba\"},\"headline\":\"Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda (Video)\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-03-21T10:00:32+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-03-21T10:30:56+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/\"},\"wordCount\":1557,\"commentCount\":184,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Baking Tips\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/\",\"name\":\"Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda (Video) - Sally&#039;s Baking\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-03-21T10:00:32+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-03-21T10:30:56+00:00\",\"description\":\"Become a better baker by learning the differences between baking powder and baking soda\u2014in easy-to-understand language!\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":1800,\"caption\":\"box of baking soda and container of baking powder on peach surface.\"},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/\",\"name\":\"Sally&#039;s Baking\",\"description\":\"Trusted Recipes from a Self-Taught Baker\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Sally's Baking\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"\",\"contentUrl\":\"\",\"caption\":\"Sally's Baking\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#\/schema\/person\/3744271f85efc7e271411c4968f1c4ba\",\"name\":\"Sally McKenney\",\"description\":\"Sally McKenney is a baker, food photographer, and New York Times best-selling author. Her kitchen-tested recipes and step-by-step tutorials have given millions of readers the knowledge and confidence to bake from scratch. Sally\u2019s work has been featured on TODAY, Good Morning America, Taste of Home, People, and more.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/about-sally-mckenney\/\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda (Video) - Sally&#039;s Baking","description":"Become a better baker by learning the differences between baking powder and baking soda\u2014in easy-to-understand language!","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda (Video) - Sally&#039;s Baking","og_description":"Become a better baker by learning the differences between baking powder and baking soda\u2014in easy-to-understand language!","og_url":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/","og_site_name":"Sally&#039;s Baking","article_published_time":"2025-03-21T10:00:32+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-03-21T10:30:56+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":1800,"url":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Sally McKenney","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Sally McKenney","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/"},"author":{"name":"Sally McKenney","@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#\/schema\/person\/3744271f85efc7e271411c4968f1c4ba"},"headline":"Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda (Video)","datePublished":"2025-03-21T10:00:32+00:00","dateModified":"2025-03-21T10:30:56+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/"},"wordCount":1557,"commentCount":184,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder.jpg","articleSection":["Baking Tips"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/","url":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/","name":"Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda (Video) - Sally&#039;s Baking","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder.jpg","datePublished":"2025-03-21T10:00:32+00:00","dateModified":"2025-03-21T10:30:56+00:00","description":"Become a better baker by learning the differences between baking powder and baking soda\u2014in easy-to-understand language!","inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/baking-soda-baking-powder.jpg","width":1200,"height":1800,"caption":"box of baking soda and container of baking powder on peach surface."},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/","name":"Sally&#039;s Baking","description":"Trusted Recipes from a Self-Taught Baker","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#organization","name":"Sally's Baking","url":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"","contentUrl":"","caption":"Sally's Baking"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/#\/schema\/person\/3744271f85efc7e271411c4968f1c4ba","name":"Sally McKenney","description":"Sally McKenney is a baker, food photographer, and New York Times best-selling author. Her kitchen-tested recipes and step-by-step tutorials have given millions of readers the knowledge and confidence to bake from scratch. Sally\u2019s work has been featured on TODAY, Good Morning America, Taste of Home, People, and more.","sameAs":["https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/about-sally-mckenney\/"]}]}},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34889","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34889"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34889\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":146093,"href":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34889\/revisions\/146093"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/145897"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34889"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34889"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34889"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}