What can I substitute for bicarbonate of soda?

Running low on bicarbonate of soda? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

bicarbonate of soda — ingredient substitution guide — Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels

About bicarbonate of soda

Bicarbonate of soda is a chemical leavening agent that produces carbon dioxide gas when it reacts with an acid and moisture, causing batters and doughs to rise. It is approximately four times stronger than baking powder and requires an acidic ingredient in the recipe to activate it. It also contributes to browning and can neutralise excess acidity in a dish.

Best substitute

baking powder

Baking powder contains bicarbonate of soda along with a dry acid, so it provides a similar leavening effect without needing an additional acid in the recipe. Because it is weaker, you need significantly more of it, but be aware this can add a slightly metallic or salty flavour in large quantities.

Use 3 tsp for every 1 tsp — reduce other liquids slightly if the mixture becomes too wet

bakingpancakesquick breadsrecipes needing acid neutralisationdeep browning

Alternative

potassium bicarbonate

Potassium bicarbonate behaves almost identically to bicarbonate of soda in leavening, as it also reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide. It is sodium-free, making it a good option for low-sodium diets, though it may produce a very slightly different flavour at high quantities.

Use 1 tsp for every 1 tsp

bakingquick breadslow-sodium recipes

Alternative

baker's ammonia (ammonium bicarbonate)

Baker's ammonia was a traditional leavening agent used before baking powder became common, and it produces an exceptionally light, crisp texture. It releases ammonia gas during baking, which fully evaporates in thin or dry baked goods but can leave an unpleasant smell in dense or moist items.

What is bicarbonate of soda called in other countries?

Country	Name
Australia	bicarbonate of soda
Canada	baking soda
New Zealand	bicarbonate of soda
United Kingdom	bicarbonate of soda
United States	baking soda

Related ingredients

baking soda

2 substitutes available

active dry yeast

5 substitutes available

baking powder

2 substitutes available

instant dry yeast

5 substitutes available

Alternative

self-raising flour

Self-raising flour has baking powder already incorporated, so it can replace both plain flour and the leavening agent in a recipe simultaneously. It is not a direct swap for bicarbonate of soda alone and works best when the whole flour component of a recipe is being substituted.

Replace plain flour with self-raising flour at a 1:1 ratio and omit the bicarbonate of soda — adjust acid ingredients as needed

cakesmuffinssconesrecipes requiring strong leaveningrecipes with large acid components

Alternative

whipped egg whites

Whipped egg whites incorporate air mechanically, providing lift through physical leavening rather than a chemical reaction. This method requires technique and changes the texture, producing a lighter, airier result more akin to a soufflé or chiffon cake rather than a conventional chemically leavened bake.

Use 2 stiffly whipped egg whites to replace ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda — fold gently into batter

cakessouffléslight battersdense breadsbiscuitsrecipes needing acid neutralisation