I tell you this with nothing but love and understanding. I tell you this as a person who received the most mediocre grades in middle school science. I tell you this as someone who copied her chemistry homework from the nicest chemistry-smart boy she could find in high school. Don’t judge. It’s just the truth.
Baking is a science. It’s important to understand the reactions.
We need to talk about baking powder and baking soda… and you can totally copy my homework if you need to. It’s cool.
The difference between baking soda and baking powder:
Baking soda and baking powder are both odorless white powders that work their magic in our cakes. Though they’re both white powders, the two are certainly not interchangeable. Let’s talk about the facts behind these baking essentials.
Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate. I told you we were talking science. Stay with me.
When sodium bicarbonate meets with heat, carbon dioxide gas is formed. It’s this gas that gives rise to our favorite cakes, cookies and biscuits. There is one drawback to the production of this gas. When heated, sodium bicarbonate also produces sodium carbonate, which doesn’t taste very good. If you’ve ever eaten any metallic tasting cakes or biscuits, you know what I’m talking about.
Thankfully, the metallic taste of sodium carbonate can be neutralized by acid. Lemon, yogurt, buttermilk, and unsweetened natural cocoa powder can neutralize the taste of sodium carbonate and keep our baked goods risen and lifted.
Baking powder is a mixture of baking soda and acid. Yea! Baking powder is part baking soda! Baking powder is made up of baking soda, a powdered acid, and cornstarch.
Most baking powders are labeled ‘double-acting’ meaning they release a small amount of carbon dioxide gas when they’re stirred into the batter or dough, but they release a majority of their precious gas when triggered by the heat of the oven.
Because baking powder is a leavener that contains both the sodium bicarbonate and the flavor-saving acid, it is usually paired with non-acid ingredients like whole milk and Dutch-processed cocoa.
Baking soda need an acid. Baking powder has an acid. We made that science easy, right?
Ahana
Thank you for this. Although I am a baker, I required this information for my school project. I loved that you kept it simple. Happy Baking!
Chaketa
Thank you for this!!! I can also see the difference with taste too!!
Blessing
Which baking powder is the best for baking cake. When i bake a cake it doesn’t look like a real wedding cake , it doesn’t scatter . What makes it so? Tnx
David Lloyd
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) will not produce carbon dioxide UNLESS there is also acid. It is commonly used when other ingredients are already acidic, as in buttermilk pancakes or dishes that contain fruit. The reason you use half as much baking soda as you use baking powder is because baking powder contains equal amounts of baking soda and cream of tartar (which is an acid) that activates the baking soda. Heat alone will not activate baking soda.
Judith Kaspian
Thanks..Joy….I have been experimenting with gluten free waffles, and doing well with 1 Tblsp. BAKING POWDER but now I would like to use some buttermilk..shold I add some soda also, if so, how much?
O
joythebaker
What recipe are you talking about?
Melinda Impellizzeri
This was a clear and easy to understand explanation. and your style was most entertaining too. I’ll sign up! Thanks!
success
Thanks alot for d info… I think changing my recipe to baking soda will b great.
Dinesh
Your article does not tell me when to use Baking Soda versus Baking Powder or if can substitute Powder for the soda (since it has properties of both). Science is useless without application….
joythebaker
useless!
Tammy
Why do some recipes call for both baking soda and baking powder?
I'mcool
That makes great sense! Thanks! :-)
VasudhaMama
I looked this up because I have recently learned that a pinch of baking soda added to a cup of coffee will neutralize it – a very good thing. I cannot taste any difference. I shall have to try baking powder and see if it does the same thing.
mrsmichellegoldsmith
Along with the great explanation, I love your utensils — those spoons are really special!