Arm & Hammer
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
What it is
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda is a versatile pantry staple. It is a fine, white, crystalline powder. This product is known for its leavening properties in baking. It also has many other household uses beyond the kitchen. Its chemical name is sodium bicarbonate. It is a common ingredient found in many homes.
How people cook with it
Baking soda is a fundamental ingredient for many home cooks. It plays a key role in both sweet and savory dishes.
- Leavening baked goods
- Neutralizing odors
- Cleaning surfaces
- Soothing minor irritations
In baking, baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients to produce carbon dioxide gas. This gas creates bubbles, causing doughs and batters to rise and become light and fluffy. It is often used in recipes that contain ingredients like buttermilk, yogurt, lemon juice, or brown sugar. When used for cleaning, it can be made into a paste with water to scrub away grime. Its mild abrasive quality helps lift stains without scratching surfaces. It is also effective at absorbing and neutralizing odors in refrigerators and garbage cans.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike baking powder, baking soda is a single ingredient that requires an acid to activate. Baking powder is a complete leavening agent containing both an acid and a base, making it suitable for recipes without added acidic components. Baking soda has a more potent leavening power when paired with the right ingredients.
Who it is for
Home bakers and cooks seeking reliable leavening and cleaning solutions will find this product useful.
How to keep the rest
To maintain its effectiveness, store baking soda in a cool, dry place. Keep the container tightly sealed to prevent it from absorbing moisture or odors from the surrounding environment. This ensures it remains ready for all its intended purposes.