---
title: What’s the Difference Between Baking Powder and Baking Soda?
description: How to tell the difference between baking powder and baking soda, and why it matters.
---

[First Federal Bank Blog ](https://blog.ffbf.com)

# [What’s the Difference Between Baking Powder and Baking Soda?](https://blog.ffbf.com/whats-the-difference-between-baking-powder-and-baking-soda)

 Written by [First Federal Bank](https://blog.ffbf.com/author/first-federal-bank) | September 22, 2025 2:00:00 PM Z

Many of the best chefs will tell you they don’t always follow a recipe. They often follow their gut or wing it when in the kitchen. Cooking to taste is a popular way to prepare dinner. [Baking](https://blog.ffbf.com/the-benefits-of-cinnamon), on the other hand, requires an entirely different approach. Dietician Caroline Thomason, R.D. explains how to tell the difference, and why it matters:

*What is baking soda?*

*Baking soda is most commonly used in cookies and other baked goods that only need to rise a little bit, according to the Institute of Culinary Education. *

*"Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate," Thomason says. "It needs an acid like lemon juice, yogurt or buttermilk to activate it and make baked goods rise."*

*What is baking powder?*

*Baking powder is best for the types of baked goods that you want to rise a lot – think cakes, muffins and biscuits. (Though some of recipes may call for both baking powder **and** baking soda.)*

*"Baking powder contains both sodium bicarbonate and a powdered acid, so it only needs moisture and heat to activate," Thomason says.*

*But if it's 10 p.m. the night before a bake sale and you find yourself halfway through a cupcake recipe with no baking powder in the cupboard, fear not. In a pinch, Thomason says "you can substitute 1 teaspoon of baking powder with a quarter teaspoon of baking soda and a half teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice."*

*Keep in mind, though, that "the results may vary and the baked goods may still not rise based on the recipe," Thomason notes.*

You can read the full article [here](https://go.upcontent.com/f94d816c-9b60-4ed1-99a1-85af9589a07f).

If you are one who likes to experiment [in the kitchen](https://blog.ffbf.com/unique-gadgets-to-upgrade-your-kitchen), there is nothing wrong with playing around with a few of your favorite baked good recipes. You might create a new favorite [sweet treat](https://blog.ffbf.com/3-ways-to-cut-back-on-refined-sugars)! However, the night before a big event, like a birthday party or holiday gathering, might not be the best time to try!

[View full post](https://blog.ffbf.com/whats-the-difference-between-baking-powder-and-baking-soda)

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