6 Best Substitutes for Baking Soda
Looking for a baking soda substitute? You’re in luck! In this blog post, we will list ten substitutes that can be used in place of baking soda. Each of these substitutes has unique properties that make them ideal for specific applications.
So, whether you are looking for a substitution for baking soda because you are out of it, or you are looking for a new way to use an old standby, we have the perfect substitute for you!
Table of Contents
What is baking soda?
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a baking ingredient that can be used as a natural leavening agent in recipes. It helps to create light, airy baked goods like cakes and muffins by releasing carbon dioxide gas when it reacts with an acid, such as vinegar or sour cream.
Baking soda also adds texture and flavor to recipes. It can be used to make doughs rise, provide a crunchy texture when added to baked goods, and even serve as an odor neutralizer in the fridge or carpet.
Baking soda is an important ingredient in many baking recipes, so it’s essential to have some on hand if you’re an avid baker. It’s also a key component of many homemade cleaning products as well as natural remedies.
What is baking soda made of?
Baking soda is a naturally occurring compound known as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). It is comprised of equal parts sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. Baking soda has many uses in baking and can also be used for cleaning, deodorizing, and medical purposes.
When it combines with acids such as vinegar or buttermilk, it produces carbon dioxide gas, which is what helps cakes and breads rise during baking.
It’s also used in many natural remedies for colds, indigestion, and other ailments. Baking soda is generally considered safe to use but can be dangerous if ingested in large amounts.
How Does Baking Soda Work?
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a common household ingredient with many uses. It is an alkaline substance that has been used for centuries to help leaven bread and cakes and can also be used as a cleaning agent and deodorizer.
Baking soda works by releasing carbon dioxide gas when combined with an acid, such as vinegar. This reaction produces bubbles of carbon dioxide which cause dough to rise, making cakes and breads light and fluffy.
Baking soda can also be used for cleaning purposes because it neutralizes odors and helps break down grease, dirt and grime. Baking soda is a safe and effective product that can be used in many ways around the home.
It is a natural, non-toxic alternative to harsher chemicals and can even help keep your swimming pool clean. Baking soda is a great choice for cleaning and deodorizing any surface in your home, from bathrooms to carpets.
For better results, combine baking soda with other natural ingredients such as vinegar or lemon juice for extra cleaning power. Always test baking soda on a small, inconspicuous area before using it to clean larger areas to make sure it won’t damage the surface.
Substitutes for Baking Soda.
When it comes to baking, baking soda plays an important role in helping doughs and batters rise. But if you ever find yourself without this key ingredient, there are other options that can act as substitutes for baking soda.
1. Baker’s ammonia.
Also known as ammonium bicarbonate or ammonium carbonate, baker’s ammonia is an effective substitute for baking soda.
It’s less acidic than baking soda and produces a light flavor that’s perfect for cookies and cakes. Baker’s ammonia can be difficult to find in stores, however, so it might be easier to purchase it online.
How to substitute.
When replacing baking soda with baker’s ammonia, use the same amount as you would for baking soda. For every 1 teaspoon of baking soda, replace it with ¼ teaspoon of baker’s ammonia.
2. Baking powder.
Baking powder is a combination of baking soda, cornstarch and an acidic ingredient like cream of tartar.
It reacts in the presence of moisture to release carbon dioxide gas, leavening baked goods as it does so.
Baking powder can be used in place of baking soda if a recipe calls for acid ingredients like buttermilk or lemon juice.
If a recipe does not call for acid, then it is best to double the amount of baking powder called for and use half as much baking soda in its place.
For example, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of baking soda, use 2 teaspoons of baking powder and no baking soda.
3. Club soda.
Club soda is a great substitute for baking soda in recipes that require a lot of liquid, since it is primarily made of water and carbonation.
When used as an alternative to baking soda, club soda can help provide the same leavening effect without changing the flavor or texture of your recipe too much.
How to substitute.
To substitute club soda for baking soda, use one cup of club soda for each teaspoon of baking soda that the recipe calls for.
4. Potassium bicarbonate and salt.
Potassium bicarbonate and salt can be used as a substitute for baking soda in recipes. Potassium bicarbonate is a slightly different base than baking soda, so it must be used in combination with an acidic ingredient, such as lemon juice or vinegar.
Salt is also an effective alkaline ingredient in baking, but its flavor should be taken into account when used in baking recipes.
It should be noted that using either of these ingredients as a substitute for baking soda may produce different results than using baking soda alone, so experimenting with both is recommended to find the right balance.
How to substitute.
To substitute potassium bicarbonate or salt for baking soda, use the equivalent amount of either ingredient as you would with baking soda in a recipe.
For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of baking soda, you can use 1 teaspoon of either potassium bicarbonate or salt.
You may need to adjust the other ingredients slightly to achieve the desired flavor and texture.
5. Self-rising flour.
This flour already includes baking powder, which is one of the main ingredients in baking soda.
Baking powder is composed of sodium bicarbonate, cream of tartar and cornstarch, so it can be used as a good substitute for baking soda.
How to substitute.
To replace 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of baking soda, use 1 1/4 teaspoons (6 grams) of self-rising flour.
6. Whipped Egg Whites.
Whipped egg whites can be used as a substitute for baking soda in cakes and other baked goods. Just whip the whites until they are stiff and then fold them into the batter or dough.
This will give the cake or other baked good an airy texture and lightness that baking soda would normally provide.
How to substitute.
For every teaspoon of baking soda that is called for, use two to three tablespoons of whipped egg whites.
Baking soda substitute for cleaning.
Baking soda is known for its versatile cleaning power due to its ability to act as an abrasive and deodorizer. But if you don’t have baking soda on hand, there are a few other ingredients that can come in handy when it comes to tackling grime around the house.
White vinegar is an effective cleaner when mixed with water, and it can be used to clean countertops, windows, and more. It is also an effective deodorizer, making it a great choice for removing odors from carpets or other fabrics.
Another baking soda substitute is borax, which has been used as a cleaning agent for over 100 years. Borax is especially effective at removing soap scum, hard water stains, and grease. Just be sure to use gloves when cleaning with borax and rinse the surface thoroughly after use.
Lemon juice is another great substitute for baking soda as it has natural bleaching properties that help remove tough stains. Simply mix lemon juice with hot water and a few drops of dish soap and you’ll have an effective cleaning solution.
Even plain old table salt can be used as a baking soda substitute in a pinch. Simply sprinkle some salt onto the surface you wish to clean, then scrub with a damp cloth or sponge. Salt is great for removing grease and oil spots from countertops and floors.
Baking soda substitute for pancakes.
Many people enjoy making pancakes, but not everyone has or wants to use baking soda. Luckily, there are several great substitutes.
One option is to use lemon juice and baking powder instead of baking soda. This combination produces the same chemical reaction as baking soda and will still create light and fluffy pancakes.
Simply replace the amount of baking soda the recipe calls for with an equal amount of baking powder and lemon juice.
Another option is to use cream of tartar and baking soda. This combination performs similarly to traditional baking soda, but adds a subtle tangy flavor to pancakes.
To use this substitute, simply replace the same amount of baking soda in the recipe with an equal amount of cream of tartar and baking soda.
Finally, you can use self-rising flour as a substitute for baking soda in pancakes. This will create lighter and fluffier pancakes than using just all-purpose flour, but the final product won’t rise quite as much as with baking soda.
To use this substitute, replace the baking soda in the recipe with an equal amount of self-rising flour.
Baking soda substitute for slime.
Slime is a fun and creative activity, but it can be difficult to find the right ingredients. Baking soda is an excellent alternative to common slime recipes that use borax or liquid starch.
When combined with other household ingredients such as glue, baking soda produces a safe, non-toxic slime that is just as stretchy and squishy as traditional slime.
To make baking soda slime, combine one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of glue and a few drops of water in a bowl until it is well blended.
Add in food coloring or glitter if desired and mix the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth. Finally, knead the dough-like slime for several minutes and enjoy!
Baking soda substitute for pretzels.
If you’re looking for a baking soda alternative for your pretzels, there are several options available.
One is to use yeast as the leavening agent. Yeast will provide a slightly different flavor from baking soda, but it will create the same texture and lightness that baking soda would provide.
You can also use baking powder as a baking soda substitute for pretzels. Baking powder is slightly stronger than baking soda, so you’ll need to adjust the amount of baking powder used depending on the recipe.
Finally, you can also use sourdough starter as a substitute for baking soda when making pretzels. Sourdough starter is made from fermented flour and water, which helps to create carbon dioxide bubbles in the dough. This is what helps to make pretzels light and fluffy.
Can baking powder replace baking soda?
The answer is yes, but with a few caveats. Baking powder contains both baking soda and an acid, like cream of tartar or sodium aluminum sulfate. It can be used to replace the same amount of baking soda in a recipe, however it will not produce the same results.
Baking powder has a much milder action than baking soda and will not produce the same light and fluffy texture that baking soda is known for. Baking powder also has a slightly different flavor, which may be noticeable in some recipes.
For this reason, it’s best to use baking powder in recipes specifically designed for it rather than as a direct substitute for baking soda. Additionally, you should always adjust the amount of other ingredients in the recipe to ensure it will turn out correctly.
Can I use cornstarch instead of baking soda?
The answer is yes and no. Cornstarch can be used as an alternative to baking soda in some recipes, but it does not have the same level of leavening power that baking soda has.
Therefore, if a recipe calls for baking soda specifically, you should use that instead of cornstarch. Additionally, cornstarch will not add a significant amount of flavor or texture to a recipe like baking soda would.
Therefore, it should be used only in recipes where the primary goal is to add structure and crispness without adding a lot of rise.
Lastly, when substituting cornstarch for baking soda, you will need to use about twice as much as the recipe calls for. This means that if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of baking soda, you will need to use 2 teaspoons of cornstarch.
Ultimately, it is best to follow recipes precisely, but if you do need to make substitutions with ingredients like baking soda, then cornstarch can be used as an alternative in some cases.
Can I use cream of tartar instead of baking soda?
The answer is, yes, you can use cream of tartar instead of baking soda. Cream of tartar is an acidic powder that reacts with baking soda to help baked goods rise.
The reaction between cream of tartar and baking soda creates carbon dioxide gas, which helps the dough or batter expand as it cooks.
When using cream of tartar in place of baking soda, you will need to use more cream of tartar than baking soda. Generally speaking, for every teaspoon of baking soda that your recipe calls for, use three teaspoons of cream of tartar.
This will ensure that the same amount of leavening power is achieved in the finished product. Additionally, it’s important to note that using cream of tartar in place of baking soda will also change the flavor profile slightly.
Cream of tartar has a milder, more acidic taste than baking soda which may alter the flavor of your recipe.
When substituting cream of tartar for baking soda, be sure to adjust other ingredients as needed to account for any changes in texture or flavor.
What can I use instead of baking soda in banana bread?
Baking soda is a key ingredient in banana bread that helps the bread rise. But if you don’t have it, there are several other ingredients you can use as substitutes for baking soda.
One of the most common alternatives to baking soda is baking powder. Baking powder contains both an acid and a base and will react with liquids when heated to create carbon dioxide gas, much like baking soda.
However, because it is a mixture of several compounds, the reaction will not be as strong or dramatic as when using baking soda.
You can also use self-rising flour instead of baking soda in banana bread recipes to provide some leavening. Self-rising flour already contains baking powder, so it will provide some lift to the bread.
However, you should be aware that self-rising flour has a higher gluten content than all-purpose flour, so the texture of your final product may be slightly different.
Another option is yogurt or buttermilk. These ingredients are acidic and will create some rise in the bread when added to baking soda-less recipes. The acidity of the yogurt or buttermilk also helps to tenderize the banana bread, making it extra moist and flavorful.
Finally, you can use sourdough starter as a substitute for baking soda in banana bread. Sourdough starters are full of wild yeasts that create carbon dioxide gas as they feed on natural sugars. The gas creates lift in the bread, just like baking soda would.
How do I substitute baking soda in cookies?
Baking soda can be replaced with baking powder in cookies. Baking powder contains both baking soda and an acid, like cream of tartar, making it a complete leavening agent that only needs to be activated by liquid or moisture.
To substitute for 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of baking soda, use 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) baking powder plus 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) of table salt.
You can also replace the baking soda with equal parts of white vinegar, sour milk or lemon juice combined with an equal amount of baking powder. The acid in these ingredients will activate the baking powder and provide lift to your cookies.
If you are out of baking powder, it is possible to make your own using baking soda and a dry acid. To make 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of baking powder, mix 5/8 teaspoon (3.25 grams) of cream of tartar with ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) baking soda. Store the homemade baking powder in an airtight container for future use.
What can I substitute for 1 teaspoon of baking soda?
Baking soda can be substituted with a variety of other leavening agents. For example, you could use ½ teaspoon baking powder or ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar plus ¼ teaspoon baking soda.
Alternatively, you could use 1/4 teaspoon potassium bicarbonate as an equal substitution for 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
If you’re looking for natural alternatives, you could use 1 teaspoon of baking powder plus ¼ teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
Finally, if you’re in a pinch and don’t have any of the above ingredients on hand, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast.
Can we use yeast instead of baking soda in cakes?
The answer is yes, but it’s important to understand the differences between them. Yeast creates carbon dioxide which helps cakes rise, while baking soda provides leavening and neutralizes acidity in recipes.
When baking with yeast, you will need to allow more time for the dough to rise before baking. Baking soda is a quicker solution as the reaction happens almost immediately.
Yeast also adds a unique flavor to cakes, while baking soda does not. So depending on what kind of cake you are making and the desired outcome, using yeast or baking soda in your recipe can be a matter of preference.
In either case, it is important to use the correct amount for optimal results.
Baking Soda Substitute Recipe
This recipe is a great alternative to baking soda, and works well in many recipes. It can be used in cake batters, muffin mixes, cookie doughs and more.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Mix together the cream of tartar and baking powder in a small bowl.
- Use in place of baking soda when called for in your recipe, using the same measure as you would with baking soda.
- Store in an airtight container, away from moisture and heat
Notes
This baking soda substitute is not recommended when the recipe contains acidic ingredients such as lemon juice, yogurt, buttermilk, applesauce, etc. Also avoid this recipe for recipes that require a large amount of leavening. It is best used for recipes where only a small amount of leavening is required
