All About Baking soda
Your complete guide to baking soda - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Baking soda Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for baking soda in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
unopened pantry2-3 years
Signs of Spoilage
Baking soda does not typically 'spoil' in the sense of becoming unsafe. The primary sign of degradation is a loss of leavening power (effectiveness). In rare cases, if moisture penetrates the sealed package, it might harden.
How to Check
Check the 'best by' date on the packaging. For a definitive test, perform the vinegar test: mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. A strong, vigorous bubbling reaction indicates it is still potent. If the reaction is weak or non-existent, its leavening power is diminished.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and strong odors. While it can last beyond the 'best by' date, its effectiveness for baking will gradually decrease.
opened pantry6-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
The main sign of 'spoilage' is a significant reduction or complete loss of its leavening power, making it ineffective for baking. Exposure to moisture can cause it to harden or clump together. As a natural odor absorber, it can also absorb strong smells from its environment, which could potentially transfer to baked goods.
How to Check
Visually inspect for hardening or clumping. Perform the vinegar test: mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. A strong, vigorous bubbling reaction indicates it is still potent. A weak or absent reaction means it has lost its effectiveness. A faint, off-smell might indicate it has absorbed ambient odors, though this is less common for efficacy.
Storage Tips
After opening, transfer baking soda to a tightly sealed, airtight container (e.g., a glass jar with a secure lid). This protects it from moisture, humidity, and prevents it from absorbing odors from other pantry items. Keep it in a cool, dry cabinet or pantry. Even if it's no longer effective for baking, old baking soda can still be used for cleaning or deodorizing.