Baking Soda/Baking Powder Freshness Test

Always test previously opened baking soda and baking powder before using in a recipe.  Especially if they’ve been sitting in the pantry for a month or two.  

Inactive leavening agents cause bread, cake and other baked goods not to rise and gives them a very unpleasant taste. 

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EDITOR’S NOTE (August 10, 2022):  I posted these helpful tips for the first time on September 27, 2019.  Today, I edited the info for clarity and added eight new photos.

Also updated the Pinterest link. 

DISCLAIMER (NOT SPONSORED):  I have not been paid to endorse any of the pictured products.

Delighted to share what I purchased and used to create this unique recipe.

All comments are my own.  

WHAT ARE LEAVENING AGENTS?

Leavening agents are ingredients and techniques used in baking and cooking. They cause the expansion of various doughs and batters which makes them light and airy.

In baking, there are three types of leavening agents:

1. Baking soda and baking powder (chemical leaveners).
2. Yeast (an organic leavener).
3.  Air and steam (mechanical leaveners).  

Leavening creates moist, light baked goods with volume and a tender texture.

Baking soda, baking powder and yeast are affordable. 

They can be found on the baking aisle in most grocery stores.  

Read more on The Baker’s Almanac.

HELPFUL BAKING SODA TIPS

After opening a new box of baking soda, write the date that’s 30 days after opened.  

After it expires, purchase a new box. 

Store opened baking soda in a zippered storage bag. 

Keep it in a cool, dry place.  

Pure baking soda has hundreds of uses. 

For more tips, visit www.armandhammer.com.

HOW TO TEST BAKING SODA FOR EFFECTIVENESS

Pour three tablespoons of distilled white vinegar into a small bowl or measuring cup.

Stir baking soda with a dry utensil or measuring spoon. 

Drop 1/2 teaspoon into the vinegar.

A vigorous fizz means it’s effective and okay to use.

Discard if it’s flat or has a light fizz.   

 

Measure both baking powder and baking soda with a dry measuring spoon. 

If it’s wet, you’ll have more than required to use in a recipe which will create unpleasant results.

HELPFUL BAKING POWDER TIPS

Before using baking powder, vigorously shake the can.

Then, stir the contents with a dry utensil or measuring spoon.  

After measuring required amount with a dry measuring spoon, place the lid on tight. 

If left partially closed, the baking powder will become stale and inactive. 

Store in a cool, dry place.

WHERE TO FIND BAKING POWDER’S EXPIRATION DATE  

To find Baking Powder’s expiration date, flip the can upside down. 

On the bottom, you will find the printed month, year and date.

If it has expired and there’s no time to make the proverbial run to the grocery store, test before using in a recipe to make sure it’s active.  

Write yourself a reminder note to purchase a new can as soon as possible.  

HOW TO TEST BAKING POWDER FOR EFFECTIVENESS

Pour three tablespoons of boiling hot water into a heat proof container.

Drop 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder into the hot water.

A vigorous fizz means it’s effective and okay to use.

Discard if it’s flat or has a light fizz.

Read more in The Kitchn’s informative online article.

Your comments and suggestions are welcomed.

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Baking Soda and Baking Powder Freshness Test

Always test previously opened baking soda and baking powder before using in a recipe.  Especially if they've been sitting in the pantry for a month or two. Recipe and photography by Beverly Davis for CornbreadMillionaire.com.

Prep Time2 mins

Total Time2 mins

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baking powder, baking soda

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 tablespoons hot water
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

HOW TO TEST BAKING SODA

• Pour three tablespoons of distilled white vinegar into a small bowl or measuring cup. Stir contents in baking soda box with a dry measuring spoon. Drop 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda into the vinegar. A vigorous fizz means it's effective and okay to use. Discard if it's flat or has a light fizz.

HOW TO TEST BAKING POWDER

• Pour three tablespoons of boiling hot water into a heat proof container. Drop 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder into the hot water. A vigorous fizz means it's effective and okay to use. Discard if it's flat or has a light fizz.