Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

You’re in the middle of baking a cake when you realize you’re out of baking powder. But wait, couldn’t you just use baking soda instead? After all, they both make your baked goods rise, right?

Not so fast. While baking soda and baking powder are both leavening agents, they are not interchangeable. Here’s a quick guide to help you know when to use baking soda vs. baking powder in your baking.

Baking Powder vs Baking Soda long Pinterest Pin with text

When Do You Use Baking Soda vs Baking Powder
So, When Should I Use Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder?
Where can I buy baking soda?
Where can I buy baking powder?
Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder for Laundry

When Do You Use Baking Soda vs Baking Powder

Baking soda is a single-ingredient leavening agent. That means that it only needs one other ingredient, in this case, moisture, to start working.

Honeycomb Toffee Dalgona Candy being cut out — This Honeycomb Toffee Dalgona Candy uses baking soda

Baking powder, on the other hand, is a combination of a leavening agent and an acidic ingredient. This means that it starts working as soon as it comes into contact with any liquid, you don’t need to wait for it to react with something else first.

Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies in a pile — Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies uses baking soda

Another key difference between baking soda and baking powder is that baking soda has a very high pH level, while baking powder has a neutral pH. This means that when baked goods made with baking soda are cooked at high temperatures, they can sometimes develop a slightly bitter taste. Baking powder doesn’t have this problem because its pH level is neutral.

blueberry muffins in a gold tin with flowers — These Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins use baking powder

So, When Should I Use Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder?

Now that you know the difference between these two leavening agents, you’re probably wondering when to use each one. Here are some general guidelines:

Baked Apple Cider Donuts on a white surface — These Baked Apple Cider Donuts use baking powder

Baking Powder

When making quick bread or pancakes, go ahead and use baking powder.

Homemade Apple Quick Bread on a cooling rack with fresh apples — This Homemade Apple Quick Bread uses baking soda and baking powder

Combination Power

If you are making cakes or muffins, something that requires more time and effort, use a combination of half baking soda and half baking powder. This will give your cake or muffins the perfect amount of rise without any bitter aftertaste.

In some recipes you can use a combination is in Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins, Cornbread Muffins, or this Single-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake.

a fresh yellow Cornbread Muffin being held in front of white subway tile backsplash — Cornbread Muffins use baking powder

Acidic Ingredient

If you only have baking soda on hand and you need it for something like cookies or biscuits, where a little bit of bitterness won’t be noticeable. Be sure to add an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar to your recipe so that the baking soda will start working immediately.

a horizontal photo of Baking powder and baking soda containers over a white marble surface

Enough Baked Goods

If you only have baking powder on hand and you need it for something like yeast bread or cakes, where you don’t want any acidic flavor, be sure to add an extra 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour called for in the recipe so that your baked goods will still have enough rise.

Baking powder and baking soda in clear containers over a marble surface

Where can I buy baking soda?

You can find baking soda in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. Just make sure you pay attention to what the box says because it’s easy to switch the names around.

a vertical photo of baking powder and baking soda containers and baking powder and baking soda in clear glass round bowls with yellow post-it notes labeling the bowls

Where can I buy baking powder?

You can also find baking powder in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.

clear glass round bowls with yellow post-it notes labeling the bowls baking powder and baking soda

Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder for Laundry

Baking soda and baking powder are not interchangeable for cleaning or laundry purposes. Baking soda is a mild alkaline substance that can be used as a natural cleaner or deodorizer. On the other hand, baking powder is a mixture of baking soda and an acid, usually cream of tartar, that is used as a leavening agent in baked goods.

You can use baking soda for laundry purposes, but it should not be used in place of laundry detergent. Stick with using baking soda for cleaning and laundry and save the baking powder for your baked goods!

Baking soda and baking powder may seem interchangeable, but they actually perform very different functions in baked goods recipes. With these tips, you’ll be able to produce perfectly risen baked goods every time!