Baking soda vs baking powder this confusion is pretty common as these names have been used synonymously many times. In this article, we are going to talk about the differences between the two, so that you can get it right while working out a recipe next time.

For any recipes that involve baking, baking soda and baking powder are necessary ingredients. They are termed as raising agents who give beautiful texture to the dishes you are preparing. A lot of traditional bread is light and airy. Cutting through the loaf, you can see holes in it. This is because baking soda or baking powder was used while making the bread. Baking powder or soda is avoided while making bread that is gluten-free and hence they are more often dense in nature.

Let us keep reading to know how baking soda is different from baking powder so that we can implement them while baking.

BAKING SODA

Baking Soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is used in recipes that involve baking. It naturally gives out carbon dioxide when it is made to react with acidic components as baking soda is alkaline. It is used in recipes where lemon, molasses, maple syrup, and such related ingredients are used. It is one of the most preferred agents used widely in recipes as it is so versatile in nature.

A lot of us don’t know that flour is again an acidic agent, whereas baking soda is a dry ingredient used in preparing muffins, bread, etc. Recipes involving lemon juice, yeast, etc. use baking soda and flour as a combination. What’s more, is that baking soda has a good shelf life and is one of the cheapest ingredients also.

However, baking soda if not used correctly quantities, can make the food taste bitter.

Baking soda at Home

• It can effectively clean utensils, floors, appliances, and even clothes.
• To get rid of stains, odor and stickiness, use baking soda with regular detergent.
• For pans having burnt food, boiling water and baking soda can help.
• For a deep clean of your coffee maker and washing machine, use baking soda with water. 
• For brighter clothes, use a teaspoon of baking soda during the wash.
• To get the luster back to any silver objects, use a baking soda solution.
• For scrubbing your washroom, mix it with toilet cleaner or vinegar.
• If you want to vacuum your rugs, sprinkle some baking soda on it and leave it for the night. The next day, vacuum clean it for surprising results.
• A lot of pets are sensitive to specific flavors, baking soda can be used for brushing as an alternative.
• To get rid of a grease fire, baking soda can be sprinkled on it.
• Baking soda can also work as a gargling solution.

BAKING POWDER

Baking powder consists of baking soda and an acidic component. In place of yeast, a lot of people use baking powder to increase the volume and to decrease or lighten the texture of the recipe. Cornstarch is mixed with it, but different brands incorporate their own varied acidic component. This allows the baking powder to be inactive until and unless it comes in contact with wet elements. It produces gas when liquid is added, lifting the dough used for baking purposes.

There are two types of baking powder, namely- double acting and single acting. The single-acting one tends to react wholly and instantly when a liquid is added. It is commonly used in pancakes.

The double-acting powder is typically used when baking cakes as it reacts first when a liquid is added and then secondly when it is being baked. You should analyze the requirements of a recipe so that you can purchase the correct baking powder type.

A lot of brands provide ba aking powder which is gluten-free which is why it works wonders when working out a recipe that involves thick density of flours.

The terms are often interchanged in the market due to a lack of knowledge amongst a lot of people. A recipe that needs baking powder will also involve lemon or vinegar which is acidic. For recipes that call for baking soda, that acidic element is already present in it. So make sure that you have read this article thoroughly to know why and how it is different. Now you can go ahead and make wise choices while you explore the world of baking!