topic Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired in Recipes

How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

GiantsLover — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:19:59 GMT

THIS IS VERY HELPFUL AND I PLACED A COPY ON THE FRIDGE.

How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

What You Need:

Baking powder or baking soda
Measuring cup
Hot tap water
1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon
White or apple cider vinegar (if testing baking soda)

Instructions:

Measure out the water: Measure out 1/2 cup of hot tap water.
Add vinegar: Baking soda needs an acid to get a reaction, so add 1/4 teaspoon of a simple vinegar like white or apple cider vinegar to the water if you're testing baking soda. If you are testing baking powder, you do not need to add any vinegar.
Add baking soda or baking powder: Add 1/4 teaspoon of the baking soda or baking powder.
Look for fizzing! After you add the baking soda or baking powder, look for an immediate bubbling or fizzing reaction. If it happens, your baking soda or baking powder is still good! If you see no bubbling, it's time get replacements.

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

SeaMaiden — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:24:23 GMT

Interesting. I never thought it would expire... I have a huge box that I have been using that must be 10 years old... seems to work just fine.

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

QVCkitty1 — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:24:44 GMT

Thanks, that is a very useful tip !!

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

GiantsLover — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:29:41 GMT

YOU'RE VERY WELCOME INDOOR KITTY.

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

loriqvc — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:43:45 GMT

@SeaMaiden - It really depends on what you're using the baking soda for; if you're just using it as a cleaning agent, the age doesn't really matter, but if you're using it in baking, your results will not be as successful with old baking soda. You'll get a lot more rise/lift in your baked goods if you're using active, fresh baking soda, so I'd recommend checking it every 6-9 months to make sure you're getting a strong fizz when you expose it to vinegar (it reacts with acid to produce its leavening).

As for baking powder, I always check mine every three months since it loses its effectiveness much more quickly than baking soda and makes an even bigger difference in baked goods when it isn't fresh.

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

SeaMaiden — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:48:50 GMT

@loriqvc wrote:
@SeaMaiden - It really depends on what you're using the baking soda for; if you're just using it as a cleaning agent, the age doesn't really matter, but if you're using it in baking, your results will not be as successful with old baking soda. You'll get a lot more rise/lift in your baked goods if you're using active, fresh baking soda, so I'd recommend checking it every 6-9 months to make sure you're getting a strong fizz when you expose it to vinegar (it reacts with acid to produce its leavening).

As for baking powder, I always check mine every three months since it loses its effectiveness much more quickly than baking soda and makes an even bigger difference in baked goods when it isn't fresh.

@loriqvc good to know. I only use it at this time to add to my hard boiled egg water to help the shells peel off easy. Now I know that for baking I will only use fresh.

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

butterfly123 — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:34:45 GMT

@GiantsLover

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

SXMGirl — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:38:02 GMT

@GiantsLover, Thanks! This is useful info. I don't worry as much about my baking soda, but baking powder does not usually last very long.

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

SharkE — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:41:19 GMT

I replace those 2 and cornstarch and Wondra every 3 months

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

Sooner — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:56:27 GMT

@SharkE wrote:
I replace those 2 and cornstarch and Wondra every 3 months

@SharkE You are twice as good as me. I do every fall and spring only.

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

SharkE — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 18:14:16 GMT

I'm pretty clean in my actions .

Not worth it to lose what your baking over a 50 cent box of baking soda or 1.00 can of baking pwd.

I'm making Pioneer woman's apple caramel rolls this weekend. lot of trouble and time. Not blowing it over expired raising agents. LOL

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

shortbreadlover — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 19:45:27 GMT

i always test mine before using it

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

DiAnne — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 22:12:55 GMT

I don't bake much but I buy new ones every December.

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

Coquille — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 22:56:31 GMT

@GiantsLover A little tip, when your baking soda has expired, put it in your kitchen drain and follow with the cold water on high for a few minutes. It takes any odors away and cleans the drain. If you have a garbage disposal, I wouldn't do it. I don't have one so I can't speak to that issue. Make sure you run the water for awhile.

Thanks for your info.

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

ID2 — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 20:53:05 GMT

I just check the expiration date on the package.

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

Daysdee — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 23:33:28 GMT

Both of these items show expiration dates on the containers. I use my old baking soda for cleaning. Before I never thought about baking soda expiring. I know old baking powder doesn't get good results.

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

loriqvc — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 01:21:08 GMT

Baking powder is typically composed of baking soda, cornstarch, and acidic salts or cream of tartar, so it makes sense that you'd need to check your baking powder and baking soda for freshness to get the best results. It's definitely worth the few minutes to check if it's worth it to spend all the time putting the recipe together.

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

GiantsLover — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 13:59:13 GMT

You're welcome sxmgirl.

Re: How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired

GiantsLover — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 14:00:30 GMT

I already do that, but thanks Coquille.