Baking soda vs. bicarbonate soda vs. baking powder: What is the difference?

If you've been motivated to start baking or have begun researching chemical-free cleaning techniques, you've probably come across instructions that call for baking soda or bicarbonate of soda. This guide is for you if you've ever wondered what the differences are between the two.

Is baking soda the same thing as bicarbonate of soda? 

Short answer: Yes! Bicarbonate of soda and baking soda are one-in-the-same. The British call it bicarbonate of soda, while the American term is baking soda. The powder is frequently referred to as baking soda in American recipes and how-to guides, while bicarbonate of soda, or bicarb, is used in the UK.

Bicarbonate of Soda: What Is It? 

This powder is just sodium bicarbonate, regardless of whether it is marketed as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda. The powder is an alkali ingredient that is frequently used as a baking ingredient in cake or soda bread recipes.

When bicarbonate of soda is activated, carbon dioxide is released into the mixture and expands as a result. The airy structure of a cake or loaf of bread is provided by this carbon dioxide.

Because baking soda needs both acid and moisture to activate, it is frequently combined with liquids like buttermilk when baking, as well as lemon or vinegar when cleaning. In addition to cleaning and baking, bicarbonate of soda can be used to create bath bombs or children's modeling clay.

Bicarbonate of Soda Uses

Bicarbonate of soda can be used in various situations, contrary to what many might think. Bicarbonate of soda or baking soda can help with a wide range of cleaning tasks, personal hygiene, and many other things.

1. Cooking 

The most typical application of bicarbonate of soda is still baking. Bicarb is frequently used in recipes for baked goods like cakes, soda bread, some biscuits, cookies, pancakes, and more. By incorporating bicarbonate of soda into caramel before allowing it to set, you can also make honeycomb with ease.

2. Neutralizing offensive odours 

You can quickly fix a bad smell in your refrigerator or trash bin, for instance, by adding some bicarbonate of soda. Put a cup in the refrigerator's back and fill it with bicarbonate of soda. Spread some bicarbonate of soda in the bottom of the trash can to achieve the same result.

Additionally, you can use bicarbonate of soda to eliminate odour from footwear. Just add a few tablespoons of baking soda to a small piece of fabric, and fasten it with a rubber band or string. Just put one in each shoe and take them out when you need to wear the shoes.

3.  Bicarb of soda for cleaning 

Using bicarbonate of soda can simplify a wide range of different kitchen cleaning tasks. Depending on the cleaning task, the bicarbonate of soda may need to be combined with water to form a paste or with vinegar or lemon juice to form a solution.

Bicarb of soda can be used for a variety of tasks, such as cleaning the oven, stained cups, kitchen tiles, and much more. The bathroom can also be cleaned with bicarbonate of soda in just the same way!

4. Bicarb for bleaching or whitening teeth

Numerous studies have demonstrated that toothpaste with bicarbonate of soda performs better at whitening than toothpaste without the chemical. Therefore, it's no surprise that bicarbonate of soda is a common at-home treatment for teeth whitening.

Now that you know baking soda and bicarbonate soda are the same, dare we also add baking powder to the mix? 

What is the difference between baking soda and baking powder?

Baking powder and bicarb / baking soda are the most widely used baking leavening agents, which cause batters and doughs to rise and expand.

Both white powders are chemical leaveners, which means that when combined with other ingredients during mixing and baking, carbon dioxide is produced. Your cakes, cookies, and other baked goods get their lift from the gas that expands to make them bigger.

Have you ever questioned why a recipe calls for one over the other or both, despite the fact that they may sound and behave similarly? It turns out that the science behind the powders is everything. 

Sodium bicarbonate, an alkaline salt compound that produces carbon dioxide gas when combined with an acid, makes up all of the substance in baking soda.

On the other hand, baking powder is a combination of sodium bicarbonate and an acid similar to cream of tartar that needs both heat and moisture to activate. This means you cannot exactly use baking soda as a baking powder substitute.

When to use baking powder

Since baking powder already has an acid, it can be used in recipes where an acid is not a key component. The majority of baking powders you buy at the store will be described as "double-acting," which means they start to work as soon as they come in contact with liquid and then work again when heat is applied.

For instance, you may find it by itself in vanilla cake recipes that use regular milk as moisture and then the heat of the oven to activate the baking powder.

When to use baking soda

Since baking soda needs to combine with acid to produce carbon dioxide, such as in buttermilk or cocoa powder recipes, you will frequently find it there.

When you add a bit of vinegar to baking soda, you might be reminded of the traditional school project on volcanoes. In essence, that is what is taking place inside the batter to cause the expansion. Baking soda is a great option for recipes that benefit from browning, such as traditional chocolate chip cookies. 

When to use both baking powder and baking soda

Baking soda is an antacid. In essence, the acidic ingredient in a recipe is neutralized when carbon dioxide is produced. What if, however, acid is required in a recipe for flavour? Like in buttermilk biscuits. You won't retain that distinctive tang if you only use baking soda.

Combining baking soda and baking powder will leaven the recipe and retain some of its flavour profile. Also, in some cases, baking soda alone may not give enough lift. A metallic or bitter flavour will result from adding too much of it. It needs a little assistance from baking powder because of this.

Most baked goods require a delicate balance between gas production, flavour, and browning, which is why both are frequently called for in the same recipe. 

Can you use bicarbonate of soda instead of baking powder?

Thankfully, yes. And it's not too difficult. Baking soda has 3 times the strength of baking powder. Therefore, if the original recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of baking powder, you only need 1 teaspoon of baking soda in its place. For every half teaspoon of baking soda, you'll also need one teaspoon of an acid (use vinegar or lemon juice).

In contrast, if you're substituting baking powder for baking soda and the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of baking soda, you'll need 3 teaspoons of baking powder. Here's another interesting fact, though: If you're watching the amount of salt in your baked goods, omit the baking powder as you continue with the rest of the baking procedure. 

How to check baking soda and baking powder for freshness

Testing Baking Soda

Baking soda combined with an acidic ingredient forms bubbles. By adding a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice to a small amount (1/4 teaspoon) of baking soda, you can determine its quality. Baking soda should vigorously bubble. Baking soda needs to be changed if there aren't many bubbles visible. 

Testing Baking Powder

Heat and moisture work together to activate baking powder. You can test the baking powder by combining 1 teaspoon of baking powder with 1/3 cup of hot water. If the baking powder is new, the mixture ought to bubble vigorously. Use warm or hot water; do not use cold water for this test.

If you enjoy baking, here are some awesome recipes that include baking soda as an ingredient. 

Delicious orange cake with filling

Vegan carrot cake

The best blueberry lemon cake

The best blueberry muffins

White chocolate and raspberry muffins