Is Bicarbonate of Soda the Same as Baking Soda?

Introduction

Bicarbonate of soda and baking soda are often thought to be two different products, as recipes, cleaning guides and shop shelves use both names. In fact, they are exactly the same thing.

In this guide, APC Pure will explain why the same product has so many names, how it differs from baking powder, and what it is used for around the home.

Composition

Bicarbonate of soda, baking soda and Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate are all names for the same compound, with the chemical formula NaHCO₃. It is a fine white powder and a mild alkali.

The name mostly depends on where you are. Bicarbonate of soda is the traditional UK name, baking soda is the American name, and in Ireland it is often called bread soda. Sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate are its chemical names, which is why APC Pure sells it as Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate.

Bicarbonate of Soda vs Baking Powder

Bicarbonate of soda is not the same as baking powder, and this is where most of the confusion comes from.

Bicarbonate of soda is a single ingredient. It only releases the bubbles that help a bake rise when it reacts with an acid in the recipe, such as buttermilk, yoghurt or lemon juice. Baking powder, on the other hand, is a ready-made mix of bicarbonate of soda, a dry acid and a little starch, so it works without any added acid.

Bicarbonate of soda is also around three times stronger. If a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of bicarb and you only have baking powder, use about 3 teaspoons instead.

Comparing Uses

Because they are the same product, bicarbonate of soda and baking soda can be used for exactly the same jobs. As well as baking, it works as a gentle scourer for sinks and ovens, helps absorb odours in fridges and bins, and is the fizzing ingredient in many home science experiments.

Furthermore, it should not be confused with washing soda (sodium carbonate) or caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), which are much stronger alkalis used for heavy cleaning.

Washing soda and caustic soda should never be used in cooking or as a substitute for bicarbonate of soda.

For more information, read our blogs Bicarbonate of Soda for Cleaning: The Ultimate Guide and Experience the Excitement of a Volcano Experiment.

Is Bicarbonate of Soda the Same as Baking Soda? Conclusions

In conclusion, bicarbonate of soda and baking soda are the same product under two different names, and can be used interchangeably in any recipe or cleaning task.

The important difference to remember is between bicarbonate of soda and baking powder. Bicarbonate of soda needs an acid to work, while baking powder already contains one.

Where Can I Buy Bicarbonate of Soda?

APC Pure sells Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, also known as bicarbonate of soda and baking soda, in resealable foil pouches for baking, cleaning and home experiments.