Sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3, is also called baking soda. In suitable food-grade form, it is used as a raising agent, for example. However, cooking, cleaning and medical uses have different requirements.
Distinguish baking soda, baking powder and washing soda
Alongside a raising agent, baking powder usually contains an acid component and other ingredients. Washing soda is sodium carbonate and is much more alkaline; it is not an interchangeable substitute for baking soda in food. Check the product name, ingredients and intended use before using it.
Follow the recipe in the kitchen
Use only a product explicitly suitable for food and follow the recipe quantity. More powder does not automatically improve baking results or tolerability. A household cleaner or technical product does not become a suitable food ingredient simply because it has the same chemical name.
Household use depends on the product
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check material compatibility, retain the original packaging and store out of children’s reach. Do not make your own mixtures of cleaning chemicals. Avoid inhaling dust and protect the eyes; follow the specific product’s instructions in the event of exposure.
A drinking regimen is a different use
Sodium bicarbonate is also found in medicines. This does not justify a homemade daily drinking regimen, detox or general ‘deacidification’. Ingestion increases sodium intake and, in excess, can disturb fluid, electrolyte and acid–base balance. Seek professional advice beforehand if you have high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, follow a low-sodium diet or take medicines. Do not turn cooking instructions into a treatment for children, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
If an overdose is suspected or significant symptoms occur, contact medical help or a poison information service and keep the packaging available. Severe acute symptoms require immediate help. Do not take additional amounts to try to ‘correct’ symptoms yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Is Natron the same as baking soda?
Yes. Purity and intended use must still be appropriate.
Can washing soda replace baking soda in a cake?
No. It is a different substance.
How should baking soda be stored?
Keep it dry, tightly closed, labelled and out of children’s reach, following the packaging instructions.
Further reading
Understanding Natron and baking soda
