Both are used in baking, but what’s the difference between the two of them? They can be combined to be added together in some baked goods, other times you just need one. Let’s dig a little deeper.
So, what is baking soda?
Baking soda is a leaving agent used in baked goods likes cakes, muffins, and cookies.
The more technical name for it is sodium bicarbonate, which is a white crystalline powder that is naturally alkaline, or basic.
How to activate Baking Soda.
When combined with both an acidic ingredient and a liquid it becomes active. When active, carbon dioxide is produced with then allows baked goods to rise, reaching that light and fluffy consistence.
Most times this is used in recipes that have an acidic ingredient such as lemon juice, or buttermilk. Other ingredients may be things like yogurt, vinegar, or even cream of tartar. Non acidic ingredients include things such as flour, sugar, and salt.
Now, what is baking powder?
Unlike baking soda, baking powder is a complete leavening agent. What this means is that it contains for the base, and acid needed for the product to rise. To help buffer and prevent the acid and base from activating during storage, cornstarch is typically found in baking powder.
Just like how baking soda reacts with water and acidic ingredient, the acid in baking powder reacts with sodium bicarbonate and releases carbon dioxide once combined with a liquid.
You’re asking when to use which one, or whether to use them together. Let’s dig into that now.
Like we mentioned earlier, baking soda is typically used in recipes that include an acidic ingredient. (buttermilk, lemon juice, etc.) Baking powder is typically used when the recipe does not feature and acidic ingredient, as the powder already includes the acid needed to produce carbon dioxide.
When a recipe calls for both powder and soda, it’s because the recipe contains an acid that needs to be offset by the baking soda but may not be enough to completely leaven the product.
As a rule of thumb, about 1 teaspoon of baking powder is equivalent to 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
