Baking Soda vs Bicarbonate of Soda: Are They the Same?

Yes — baking soda and bicarbonate of soda are the same ingredient. If you've found an American recipe that calls for baking soda and you're wondering what to use in a UK kitchen, reach for bicarbonate of soda.

"Baking soda" is the usual term in the US, while "bicarbonate of soda" is the standard UK name. You'll also often see it shortened to "bicarb". In every case, the ingredient itself is sodium bicarbonate.

Baking powder is where the terminology can become confusing. Although baking powder contains bicarbonate of soda, it is a different raising agent and cannot simply be swapped on a 1:1 basis.

Is Baking Soda the Same as Bicarbonate of Soda?

Yes. Baking soda and bicarbonate of soda A.K.A sodium bicarbonate, are the same thing.

Here in the UK it is generally sold as bicarbonate of soda. The same product, called baking soda is used in any American recipe and grocery stores. There is no need for a conversion between either of these two

This means you can use 1 teaspoon in the UK when a US recipe says use 1 teaspoon baking soda.

Baking Soda vs Bicarbonate of Soda — UK and US Names

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How Does Bicarbonate of Soda Work in Baking?

Bicarbonate of soda is alkaline. In a recipe that contains enough acid and moisture, the two react and produce carbon dioxide. The gas forms small bubbles in the batter or dough, helping the bake rise and develop its intended texture.

You will often see bicarbonate of soda used in recipes containing acidic ingredients such as:

• lemon juice
• buttermilk
• yoghurt
• natural (non-Dutched) cocoa powder
• some recipes containing molasses or black treacle

However, the presence of an acidic ingredient does not automatically mean bicarbonate of soda should be added. The quantity of raising agent needs to be balanced with the rest of the recipe, so it is best to follow the stated ingredients rather than adding extra by guesswork.

Baking Soda vs Baking Powder

Baking powder is where the terminology can become confusing. Although it contains bicarbonate of soda, it is not the same product.

Because they are formulated differently, swapping baking soda and baking powder can affect the rise, flavour and texture of a bake. For a full breakdown of how they differ and when to use them, read our detailed guide: Baking Powder vs Bicarbonate of Soda.

Can I Use Baking Soda in a UK Recipe?

Yes; if a recipe calls for baking soda, just use bicarbonate of soda. The two are the same ingredients, so there is no conversion needed.

Bicarbonate of soda is available in most UK supermarkets, in the baking aisle or nearby.

This is not the case, however, with baking powder. Do not just substitute a bicarbonate of soda for baking powder, as the recipe may not contain sufficient acid for the bicarbonate to act effectively.

Many US recipes use the term "baking soda", but in the UK, we know it as bicarbonate of soda.

Bicarbonate of soda is normally used in tiny quantities (for instance, when making a cake), and therefore an extra amount can affect baking more than it might with constituents like flour or sugar.

What Happens If You Use Too Much Bicarbonate of Soda?

Bicarbonate of soda is normally used in small amounts, and adding extra can noticeably change a bake.

Too much may cause:

• a soapy, bitter or noticeably alkaline taste
• excessive browning
• a coarse or uneven crumb
• in some recipes, an over-rapid rise followed by sinking or collapse

The exact result depends on the recipe and the amount used. If you follow the stated quantity accurately, these problems should normally be avoided.

How Should You Measure Bicarbonate of Soda?

• use a set of proper measuring spoons instead of grabbing an ordinary teaspoon from the cutlery drawer
• when measuring with a spoon, use level unless specified to be heaping.
• try not to estimate value or round-up the quantity

In case you want to weigh little amounts, use a scale that can measure very small quantities, otherwise the level average measuring spoon in most instances gives greater reliable readings than a 'ordinary' low-resolutions kitchen scale

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really baking soda or bicarbonate of soda in the UK?

Yes. Bicarbonate of soda is just what we Brits call the same stuff they sell as baking soda in the US.

So first, the most basic question—you may wonder whether bicarb soda and baking soda are one and the same.

Indeed. "Bicarb" is a common abbreviation of bicarbonate of soda, and "bicarb soda" is a cooperative informal expression in several countries. All of these terms denote the same thing, sodium bicarbonate.

Are baking soda and baking powder the same?

No, they operate differently. Baking soda — also known as bicarbonate of soda, which you may see in some recipes is pure sodium bicarbonate and usually needs another acid involved in the recipe to activate it. Baking powder already has the acid components to be a complete raising agent.

Can I use bicarbonate of soda instead of baking powder?

Not as a straightforward substitution. Because these two leaveners are balanced in different ways, you can change the rise, flavour and texture of your bake simply by swapping one for another.

What Should I Replace Baking Soda With / What Is the UK Equivalent of Baking Soda

For those abroad, the direct equivalent is bicarbonate of soda. It is literally the same ingredient known by its UK standard name, available in many supermarkets.