What is the difference between baking powder and baking soda?

Here are four easy tips to understand what they are and when to use them.

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Baking Powder or Baking Soda

What you need to know

Instructions

1.Baking Soda

• If you are using baking soda as a raising agent you will need acid to get the chemical reaction going; example buttermilk or yoghurt.

   

2.Baking Powder

• Baking powder is made up of bicarbonate of soda ( alkaline) and cream of tater (acid). It can be used as a raising agent of its own accord.

3. Baking soda & browning

• Baking soda can also be used in bakes to provide a richer colour eg; cookies, gingerbread or treacle cake. It's not used as a raising agent in this case as there's no acid.

4. What's best for soda bread?

• The best option is buttermilk/yoghurt and baking soda. If you have none available use regular milk and baking powder but make sure to add in an egg or butter. This will add flavour and provide a nice brown colour.

Notes