What is the difference between baking soda and baking powder?

Nandiell

Baking soda is pure bicarbonate of soda, while baking powder is bicarbonate of soda with potassium bitartrate added. http://chemistry.about.com/b/2006/11/19/baking-powder-baking-soda.htm Dec 20 08, 5:47 PM

zbeckabee

Both baking soda and baking powder are leavening agents, which means they are added to baked goods before cooking to produce carbon dioxide and cause them to 'rise'. Baking powder contains baking soda, but the two substances are used under different conditions. Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate. When baking soda is combined with moisture and an acidic ingredient (e.g., yogurt, chocolate, buttermilk, honey), the resulting chemical reaction produces bubbles of carbon dioxide that expand under oven temperatures, causing baked goods to rise. Baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate, but it includes the acidifying agent already (cream of tartar), and also a drying agent (usually starch). You can substitute baking powder in place of baking soda (you'll need more baking powder and it may affect the taste), but you can't use baking soda when a recipe calls for baking powder. Baking soda by itself lacks the acidity to make a cake rise. http://chemistry.about.com/cs/foodchemistry/f/blbaking.htm Dec 20 08, 8:18 PM