Running out of baking soda in the middle of a recipe? Don’t worry — you’re not alone! Many home bakers face this exact situation. Luckily, there are several easy substitutes that can give similar results depending on what you’re cooking.
Here are the best natural alternatives to baking soda — and how to use them correctly. 👇
🥛 1. Baking Powder (The Most Common Substitute)
If you’re baking, baking powder is your best replacement for baking soda.
🔹 How it works: Baking powder already contains both the base (baking soda) and the acid (cream of tartar), so it activates on its own.
🔹 Use this ratio:
👉 Use 3 teaspoons of baking powder for every 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Tip: It may slightly change the texture or flavor, but it works great for cakes, muffins, and cookies.
🍋 2. Lemon Juice or Vinegar (for Mild Lifting Effect)
If your recipe already has some baking powder or doesn’t need much rise, adding an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or white vinegar can help.
🔹 How to use:
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for every ½ teaspoon of baking soda that’s missing — and reduce other liquids slightly.
💡 Works best in pancakes, waffles, and quick batters.
🧈 3. Buttermilk or Yogurt
Both are naturally acidic and can help your batter rise when combined with baking powder or even on their own in small amounts.
🔹 How to use:
Replace the liquid in your recipe with equal parts buttermilk or plain yogurt, then add ¼ teaspoon of baking powder for every ½ teaspoon of missing baking soda.
🥞 Great for cakes, muffins, and pancakes.
🍯 4. Club Soda or Sparkling Water
If you’re making something like pancakes or tempura batter, carbonated water can provide lightness and bubbles similar to baking soda.
🔹 How to use:
Replace part of your recipe’s liquid with chilled club soda — but mix gently and cook immediately to keep the bubbles active.
🍬 5. Self-Rising Flour
Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, making it a convenient alternative in baking.
🔹 How to use:
Simply replace all-purpose flour + baking soda with self-rising flour, and skip any extra salt in the recipe.
🥧 Works best in biscuits, scones, and quick breads.
🥣 6. Potassium Bicarbonate (Sodium-Free Option)
For those avoiding sodium, potassium bicarbonate is a direct 1:1 substitute for baking soda — same reaction, no salt.
💊 Note: It may be less common in stores but is popular among people on low-sodium diets.
🌿 Final Tip from InstantRecipies.com
While nothing matches baking soda exactly, these alternatives will help you salvage your recipe and still achieve great flavor and texture.
Remember — the best substitute depends on what you’re making. For baked goods, baking powder is your go-to; for savory dishes or marinades, lemon juice or yogurt can work beautifully.