Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a base leavener that needs an acid — buttermilk, vinegar, brown sugar, cocoa — plus moisture to create lift. There is no perfect swap, but these work in many recipes. Whether you ran out mid-recipe or need a dietary swap, here are the best substitutes for baking soda, with exact amounts.
Use: 3 tsp baking powder for 1 tsp baking soda
Use 3x the amount; reduce salt slightly.
Only reliable when the recipe has no strong acid.
Use: 1:1 for 1 tsp baking soda
Swap 1:1.
Low-sodium option; needs an acid like baking soda does.
Use: 2 egg whites, beaten for 1 tsp baking soda
Fold into pancake or quick-bread batter.
Mechanical leavening — fine for pancakes, not cookies.
The best all-round substitute is Baking powder: use 3 tsp baking powder for 1 tsp baking soda. Use 3x the amount; reduce salt slightly. Only reliable when the recipe has no strong acid.
Yes. Use 1:1 for 1 tsp baking soda. Swap 1:1. Low-sodium option; needs an acid like baking soda does.
Vegan options: Baking powder, Potassium bicarbonate.
Use 2 egg whites, beaten. Fold into pancake or quick-bread batter.
Missing something else? Search all 48 ingredients in the substitute finder.