Finding suitable gluten-free foods can be challenging, especially when wandering the baked goods section of your local grocery store. With all the different words for gluten-containing ingredients, some may be concerned when they read baking soda on an ingredients list. Is this ingredient considered gluten free?
Baking soda is considered gluten-free because it is made with only sodium chloride. However, baking soda is commonly used in baked goods which may contain gluten. Additionally, always review the label for disclaimer of potential cross-contamination during manufacturing. The best alternatives to baking soda which are also gluten-free include Clabber Girl Baking Powder, LorAnn Baker’s Ammonia, and Pure Potassium Bicarbonate.
Now that we know baking soda is gluten-free, let’s take a deeper look into this chemical leavening agent, its history, potential health benefits and drawbacks, as well as some suitable gluten-free alternatives.
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What is Baking Soda?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a chemical leavener often used in baked goods. Sodium bicarbonate reacts when an acid is added, such as lemon juice, buttermilk, yogurt, or vinegar, causing it to produce carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide results in bubbles that help to cause cakes and cookies to rise and have a soft, tender, and fluffy texture.
Baking soda is also utilized in many common household products or remedies. This white powder has a gritty texture great for cleaning along with antimicrobial properties.
The Story Behind Baking Soda
When most of us think baking soda, we think Arm & Hammer. This is because, Arm & Hammer created baking soda in the early 1800s. Sodium bicarbonate, the real name for baking soda, comes from evaporated and formed trona deposits, a naturally occurring mineral often mined as the primary source of sodium carbonate in the U.S.
The raw materials are then formed into soda ash which can then be processed to make baking soda. The largest deposits of trona come from Wyoming. John Dwight and Austin Church created Arm & Hammer, which originally started as John Dwight and Company, after using sodium bicarbonate in their kitchen.
In the 1970s, Arm & Hammer began to extend their product line to cleaners, toothpastes, deodorant and more after discovering the many uses available for baking soda.
Health Benefits and Drawbacks of Baking Soda
Baking soda has been used in the past to treat acid symptoms, such as heart burn or indigestion because it can help to neutralize stomach acid. However, sodium bicarbonate is a type of salt, containing about 150mg per 1/8 tsp serving. high amounts of sodium in the diet can increase risk for high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends no more than 2300mg of sodium per day, which is equal to about 1 teaspoon of salt [1].
Small studies have shown baking soda to be potentially beneficial for those looking to boost their athletic performance. A study involving 13 young men showed that those who drank baking soda before their workout improved their performance and lowered their fatigue levels compared to those who didn’t’. Other research has shown it to be potentially beneficial in increasing reps during strength training workouts [2, 3].
Other Popular Uses for Baking Soda
Baking soda has been used for a variety of different things over the generations from cleaning to toothpaste. Because of its gritty texture and antimicrobial properties, baking soda has been used for many oral cleansing products, such as toothpaste and even mouthwash. It also works well breaking down bacteria caused by perspiration and has been utilized in deodorant products and as an odor neutralizer for the inside of shoes.
Baking soda works great at masking bad smells and can be used as an air freshener or odor masking agent in cabinets, refrigerators and even as a laundry detergent. You can sprinkle a little inside your dishwasher or garbage disposal to help eliminate odors or use it as a multipurpose bathroom cleaner. If it cleans or deodorizes, chances are baking soda is in it or they make a product for it.
This multipurpose powder is an inexpensive pantry staple most American’s have lying around in their home. With a 1-pound package costing a miniscule $.78, it’s no wonder people are reaching for it for all their cleaning, baking and deodorizing needs.
Nutrition Facts for Baking Soda
Ingredients:
- Sodium bicarbonate
Nutrition Facts (Per 1/8 teaspoon):
- Calories 0
- Fat 0g
- Saturated fat 0g
- Sodium 150mg
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Added sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
Gluten-Free Alternatives to Baking Soda
For those looking for suitable alternatives to baking soda that are also gluten-free, consider some of the options below.
Clabber Girl Baking Powder
Baking powder is a mixture of baking soda, cream of tartar (for the acid) and sometimes cornstarch, as with the popular Clabber Girl baking powder. Because it has the baking soda and acid already in the product itself, it is easy to use in baked goods if you don’t have baking soda on hand. In fact, some prefer baking powder because it eliminates the need for an acid to be added during baking.
It’s easy to get baking soda and baking powder confused. Though they sound similar and look similar, they perform vary different functions. Because baking powder contains less baking soda than baking soda itself, more needs to be used in order to be used as a replacement for baking soda, about three times as much in fact.
This product is widely available in stores or online at retailers such as Target, Walmart and Amazon, priced at $1.82 for an 8.1-ounce container.
Ingredients:
- Cornstarch
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Sodium aluminum sulfate
- Monocalcium phosphate
Nutrition Facts (Per 1/8 teaspoon):
- Calories 0
- Fat 0g
- Saturated fat 0g
- Sodium 60mg
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Added sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
LorAnn Baker’s Ammonia (Ammonium Carbonate)
Another great leavening ingredient found in many old fashion recipes is baker’s ammonia. This was the main type of leavening agent used before baking soda was invented. LorAnn Baker’s Ammonia is gluten-free and works well to add an extra crisp to foods like cookies or crackers. However, it does not work well as a leavener in cakes or large volume items.
Baker’s ammonia can be swapped for baking soda at a 1:1 ratio, however, remember that it is not suitable for all recipes. You can find this product in various retail stores, or online at Amazon.com, priced at $6.19 for 2.7-ounce container.
Ingredients:
- Ammonium carbonate
Nutrition Facts (Per 1/8 teaspoon):
- Calories 0
- Fat 0g
- Saturated fat 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Added sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
Orgran Gluten-Free Self-Rising Flour
Choosing a gluten-free self-rising flour, such as Orgran gluten-free self-rising flour, can eliminate the need for baking soda or powder. Similar to baking powder, baking soda is already included in the mix along with gluten-free flour and an acid for leavening.
If using as a replacement for baking soda, be sure to replace the acid in the original recipe for a neutral flavor to compliment the recipe as the acid is already present in the self-rising flour. For example: swap out buttermilk for regular milk instead so the final product is not too acidic. You can find this product in stores or online at various retail sites, including Amazon, priced at $11.99 for 1.1-pound bag.
Ingredients:
- Maize starch
- Tapioca flour
- Rice flour
- Glucono Delta Lactone
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Guar gum
Nutrition Facts (Per 40 grams):
- Calories 140
- Fat 0g
- Saturated fat 0g
- Sodium 165mg
- Carbohydrates 34g
- Sugar 0g
- Added sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
Pure Potassium Bicarbonate
Often seen used as a dietary supplement, potassium bicarbonate works well as a replacement for baking soda, especially for those looking to reduce their sodium intake. Potassium bicarbonate can be used to replace baking soda on a 1:1 ratio. However, you may want to add a little salt or additional seasoning as it may affect the flavor of the product.
You can find this product in store or online at various retail sites, including Amazon, priced at $16.99 for a 1-pound bag.
Ingredients:
- Potassium Bicarbonate
Nutrition Facts (Per 1-teaspoon):
- Calories 0
- Fat 0g
- Saturated fat 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Added sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
Related Questions
Is Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Gluten Free?
Yes, Arm & Hammer baking soda is the original baking soda company that is naturally gluten-free. There are no additives in this brand of baking soda that may contain gluten and it is not processed in a facility that also processes gluten-containing ingredients, so it is safe for those on a gluten free diet.
Does Baking Soda go Bad?
Baking soda has a shelf life of 6 months to 1 year once opened. If unopened, baking soda can typically last up to 18 months. If you are unsure if your baking soda has gone bad, try adding a little bit of vinegar to it. If the product fizzes, it is good, if not it has gone bad and should be replaced.
Can Baking Soda Tenderize Meat?
Baking soda can be used to help tenderize meats by soaking it in a baking soda solution. This raises the pH on the surface of the meat which makes it more challenging for the proteins to bond, keeping the meat tender during cooking.