Home / Baking & Leavening / Baking soda
What can I use instead of baking soda?
Best substitute for 1 tsp baking soda
3 tsp baking powder
Baking powder — Use about triple; reduce other acids.
tsp
Amounts below are for 1 tsp baking soda
3 substitutes for baking soda
| Substitute | Use this much | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baking powder | 3 tsp baking powder | Use about triple; reduce other acids. |
| Potassium bicarbonate | 1 tsp potassium bicarbonate | 1:1, sodium-free; add a pinch of salt. |
| Baker's ammonia | 1 tsp baker's ammonia | Old-school; best for very crisp cookies. |
Baking soda is a strong leavener that needs an acid to work. Baking powder is the everyday swap, just at a larger amount.
Tips
- Baking powder is the everyday swap - use about 3x and ease off other acids.
- Baking soda is roughly four times stronger than baking powder.
FAQ
- Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda?
- Yes - use about three times as much and reduce other acidic ingredients.
- Why can't I swap them 1:1?
- Baking soda is far stronger and needs an acid; baking powder already includes one.