Bicarbonate of soda, popularly known as baking soda, is pure sodium bicarbonate ( NaHCO3cap N a cap H cap C cap O sub 3

While often confused with baking powder, bicarbonate of soda is significantly more potent and functions differently.

). It is a versatile household staple used for everything from making cakes rise to scrubbing stubborn oven grease. Because it is a pure alkali, it requires an acidic partner—like buttermilk, lemon juice, or vinegar—to activate and produce the carbon dioxide bubbles that provide lift in baking. Essential Roles in the Kitchen