Don't let those muffins fall flat! If you need a baking soda substitute, we've got your back! Here are four ideas to try.

baking ingredients in bowls, from Shelf Cooking

Is there anything that baking soda can't do? It's like the Swiss army knife or kitchen ingredients! But if you used a bit too much for that laundry emergency, you may find yourself in a pinch when the time comes to bake your favorite cookies.

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So, what can you do if you're all out but need a batch of your favorite baked goods ASAP? You can use one of our four baking soda ingredient substitute ideas, that's what! Let's get right to it, you guys. Here we go!


CAN YOU USE BAKING POWDER IN PLACE OF BAKING SODA?

Alright, let's start with the most straightforward option first! Here's what you'll need for this baking soda substitute:

  • Baking Powder

Were you expecting a longer list of ingredients? Good news! Because baking powder contains baking soda, it's the perfect ingredient to swap in when you're in a bind. Just use three times the amount of baking soda that your recipe calls for.

That's it! Easy, peasy, huh? Now, what can you do if you're out of baking powder and baking soda? This next option might save your day.


HOW TO USE WHIPPED EGG WHITES IN PLACE OF BAKING SODA

whipping egg whites to replace baking soda, from Shelf Cooking

Here's a fun fact: you can use whipped egg whites instead of baking soda for many simple recipes! What kind of sorcery is that?! Well, it's magic. But it's also science! The protein in egg whites gives your baked goods the chemical makeup that an ingredient like baking soda would provide.

Start with two egg whites, and measure that liquid because you'll want to remove the same amount of other wet ingredients from your recipe. And before you drop those egg whites in your mixing bowl, whip them with a whisk or mixer until they turn foamy.


USE CLUB SODA

It makes sense that you can swap one soda for another, right? But here's the thing: if you decide to use club soda as your baking soda substitute, move quickly!

If club soda is exposed to air for too long, it starts to lose some of its bubbly fizziness. And those bubbles are the key to the leavening power! So, if club soda is your go-to ingredient swap, add it towards the end and try to get that baked good in the oven ASAP.


USE SELF-RISING FLOUR

flour and eggs on kitchen counter, from Shelf Cooking

As the name implies, self-rising flour has built-in leavening agents. So, if your recipe calls for baking soda but you're all out, swap the all-purpose flour with self-rising instead.

Just be careful! Remember, cooking is science. Many recipes that call for baking soda also call for something acidic, like buttermilk or vinegar. If you're taking the baking soda out and using self-rising flour, then you'll want to remove the acidic ingredient, too. Don't overthink it! If the recipe calls for buttermilk, for example, use regular milk in its place.


CAN I JUST SKIP THE BAKING SODA?

Okay, this is a great question! The short answer is, it depends. If you're making cookings or another baked good that calls for a small amount of baking soda, you can probably skip it! Just know that the lack of baking soda will impact how much those cookies or cakes rise.

If you're looking for that pillowy consistency, you're better off using one of these substitute ideas than skipping the soda altogether. Just don't try adding yeast as a substitute! We know, we know. It seems like the world's most popular leavening agent would work just the same, but that's not the case with baked goods, so save that yeast for your next loaf of bread!


DO YOU HAVE OTHER TIPS & TRICKS TO SHARE?

No more “Alexa, what can you substitute for baking soda?” for you! You've got four quick and easy options to try, so bake away!

Do you have any other tips or tricks for baking sans baking soda? Do tell! Drop a comment below and spill the deets.

image that reads "easy baking soda substitutes", from Shelf Cooking

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Now go bake the world a better place!