Baking Soda is a crucial ingredient in baking. Learn the Best Baking Soda Substitutes when you need a quick replacement.
All bakers know that baking soda is often used in oven baked recipes. It makes baked goods soft and fluffy. This leavening agent is inexpensive and simple but a key component in recipes.
What is the solution when you don’t have this ingredient? We have a list of the best baking soda substitutes.
No need to run to the store in the middle of baking if you can’t find this in your pantry. You can utilize one of these options you probably already have at home.
Table of contents
What is Baking Soda?
Baking soda is a natural chemical leavening agent also know as sodium bicarbonate. You will find this ingredient often in baked goods, quick breads and other recipes that need a leavening agent.
It reacts with acids, such as yogurt, vinegar, buttermilk and lemon juice, when heated.
It should never be left out of a recipe but instead a suitable replacement found.
1. Baking Powder
Many recipes call for both baking powder and baking soda. This substitute works best when the recipe only calls for baking soda.
You will need quite a bit more baking powder when substituting in recipes. Recipes will need 3 times the amount. For example, you will need to use 3 teaspoons of baking powder for for every teaspoon of baking soda.
Due to the large amount of baking powder needed as a substitute, it can result in a salty flavor. I recommend omitting or reducing the salt in a recipe to alleviate this issue.
2. Self Rising Flour
Self rising flour is unlike all purpose flour because it already contains baking soda and salt. Since it already includes the leavening agent, it is not necessary to add any additional baking soda.
This substitute can only be used in baked goods that already call for flour. It can’t be used in recipes that do not have flour in the ingredient list.
For a point of reference, 1 cup of self rising flour typically contains 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda.
3. Baker’s Ammonia
This was used before baking soda was created and a great substitute. You can use ammonium carbonate easily as a 1:1 ratio in any recipes that call for baking soda.
Do not be alarmed as it does have a strong scent when you add it to the batter. However, it will go away as it cooks. This is a good substitute when making crackers or biscotti.
4. Club Soda
The bubbles in club soda help to give the baked goods that light and fluffy texture. It will not result in the same light texture as other substitutes but still works quite well.
It is best to use club soda as a substitute in recipes that already call for liquid. The liquid will also need to be reduced due to the club soda.
I would start with reducing the liquid by ¼ cup to ½ cup for each ¼ cup or ½ cup of club soda.
5. Beaten Egg Whites
Whipped egg whites can be used instead of baking soda in recipes. This substitute provides the same light and airy component needed that baking soda does.
Egg whites make a great substitute in quick bread recipes, baked goods and doughs. Make sure to whip the egg whites until you see stiff peaks form. Then gently fold this into the other ingredients.
It is important that you fold the egg whites and do not stir them. This will help to keep the airy components intact and produce the same results as baking soda.
The general rule of thumb to use is 1 egg white for a standard recipe. However, using egg whites will add more moisture to the recipe.
Due to this, it is suggested you omit some of the liquid. For example, if the recipe calls for milk and you used 2 tablespoons egg whites, omit 2 tablespoons of the milk.
6. Potassium Bicarbonate and Salt
Potassium bicarbonate can be used equally with a 1:1 ratio in recipes that use baking soda. You will just need to also add ½ teaspoon salt to the recipe.
FAQs
This powder works by combining with an acidic ingredient and a liquid. The combination activates carbon dioxide which helps your baked goods to rise. It also helps them become light and fluffy such as pancakes and muffins.
We do not recommend to replace baking soda with yeast if you are trying to keep the recipe the same texture. While yeast is a leavening agent, it is not an equal substitute for baking soda.
While it can be used, the results will not be the same. The taste and texture of the final baked good will not be equal.
You can substitute with baking powder. You will need to use ⅓ teaspoon baking soda for each 1 teaspoon baking powder required.
Just note that sometimes this substitute can cause a bitter flavor in the recipe depending on what you are baking.
Recipes with Baking Soda
- Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Easy Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe
- Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
More Ingredient Substitutions
Try these simple baking soda replacements. With these easy ideas, you will never be in a pinch again while baking. You might want to print this list out and keep it handy in the kitchen. Let us know which substitute you have tried or plan to use in the future in the comment section.
