sodium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) is the chemical name for baking soda, a white crystalline powder widely used in the food industry as a leavening agent, pH regulator, and processing aid. When it reacts with an acid — such as vinegar, lemon juice, buttermilk, or cream of tartar — it releases carbon dioxide gas, which causes dough and batter to rise and develop a light, porous texture.

Beyond leavening, sodium bicarbonate serves many functions in food processing: it controls acidity in sauces and beverages, tenderizes meat, accelerates browning reactions in baked goods, and softens the texture of dried beans and pulses during cooking. In chocolate and cocoa processing, it is used for alkalization (Dutch processing) to darken color and mellow bitterness. Dosage must be carefully controlled because excess sodium bicarbonate leaves an unpleasant soapy taste and yellowish color in the final product.

Find out more about sodium bicarbonate — including food applications, dosage guidelines, and its role in baking chemistry — in the articles below.