baking soda

Can You Use Fridge and Freezer Baking Soda for Baking? Tips

With the recent rise in the popularity of cooking shows and social media platforms that showcase baked goods, many people have turned baking into a hobby. But in order to make a delicious loaf of bread, you need to have baking soda, which is not always readily available in most home kitchens.

As such, many people often wonder if it is possible to use Fridge-n-Freezer baking soda for baking instead.

Unfortunately, Fridge-n-Freezer baking soda does not contain 100% sodium bicarbonate like regular baking soda, so it cannot be used as a substitute for your favorite baked goods.

Most brands of baking soda are designed to absorb odors in your fridge and contain other synthetic materials to help neutralize unpleasant odors. If those substances end up in your food, they could potentially be harmful to your health.

In this article, we’ll examine the potential risks of using Fridge-n-Freezer baking soda for baking and provide some tips on what to do in case you run out of regular baking soda. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just trying things out, we’ve got you covered.

The Risks of Using Fridge-n-Freezer Baking Soda for Baking

person baking

When it comes to baking, it’s important to use the right ingredients to ensure that your creations are not only delicious but also safe to eat. Below are some risks that can occur if you use Fridge-n-Freezer baking soda in your recipes.

Incomplete Leavening

Baking soda is a key ingredient in many types of bread, responsible for creating the light, airy texture that many people love. But it is only a reliable leavening agent when it is pure.

Since most Fridge-n-Freezer baking soda does not contain 100% sodium bicarbonate, using it can result in a poorly-risen, dense dough.

Alteration of Taste

The synthetic materials present in Fridge-n-Freezer baking soda, like activated charcoal and zeolite, may also cause an unwanted chemical reaction in your dough, which would ultimately ruin the color and flavor of your bread.

Chemical Contamination

Baking soda meant for odor absorption is not food-grade, unlike regular baking soda, so it should not be added to bread or any other food item.

It can also pose potential risks to your health, like gastrointestinal discomfort when consumed regularly.

Allergic Reactions

Some people may be allergic to the synthetic materials present in Fridge-n-Freezer baking soda, so it’s always a good idea to check the product’s label beforehand.

What to Use If You Run Out of Baking Soda

If you ever run out of regular baking soda, don’t worry! There are several alternatives you can use to achieve similar results in your baked goods. Below are a few options for you to consider that don’t involve the use of Fridge-n-Freezer baking soda:

1. Baking Powder

When you don’t have baking soda at home, you can use baking powder instead. It’s a common substitute for most recipes, but because it contains some salt, you’ll need to adjust the amount accordingly.

Use baking powder as a 3-to-1 substitute for baking soda.

2. Self-rising Flour

Self-rising flour is also another great option to use for your baking adventures because it already contains baking powder and salt.

3. Whipped Egg Whites

Using these can help create a light, airy texture in your baked goods, which is similar to the effect of baking soda. This method is particularly effective for cakes as well.

There is no exact conversion for substituting egg whites for baking soda. But for most baked goods recipes, you can use two (2) or more egg whites to create the necessary leavening effect.

4. Molasses or Cream of Tartar

Both molasses and cream of tartar are acidic enough to be used as substitutes for baking soda. When added to baking powder, they react to create carbon dioxide gas, making your baked goods rise.

5. Buttermilk or Yogurt

Both buttermilk and yogurt are acidic and can be used to activate baking powder in place of baking soda.

6. Lemon Juice or Vinegar

You can also use lemon juice or vinegar as a 4:1 substitute for baking soda, but it could alter the final flavor of your bread.

Remember to adjust the amounts of these substitutes according to your recipe and the desired outcome. With these alternatives, you can continue baking delicious treats even if you don’t have baking soda available at home.

Final Thoughts

Using the wrong kind of baking soda can have a significant impact on the taste and safety of your baked goods. Although Fridge-n-Freezer baking soda might appear to be a convenient replacement, it is not a safe option.

Thankfully, there are several other alternatives available that you can use to guarantee the quality and safety of your baked treats. Just remember to double-check the label and use proven ingredients when baking to get the best possible results.

With the information and simple tips mentioned in this article, you can create delectable and safe baked goods that everyone will enjoy.


Chris Green

Chris has always had an adventurous soul, and his love for the outdoors eventually led him to become a professional life skills advisor. He explains a multitude of different topics ranging from disaster preparedness and wilderness survival to self-sufficiency.

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