How long does baking powder last?
In this brief article, we will answer the questions: how long does baking powder last, shelf life of baking powder, if baking powder goes bad, and how to tell if baking powder has gone bad.
How long does baking powder last?
Baking powder lasts for about six months to one year, it is sensitive to moisture and humidity so it does not last forever.
Baking powder or sodium bicarbonate is a chemical compound known for its role in baking. It is a salt of sodium and white in color. It is used in baking, cleaning, neutralizing, and eliminating foul odors from food.
Benefits of baking powder:
Baking powder is a versatile compound used for its leavening properties in food. It has many health benefits too, as it is a salt it does not cause much harm. It is beneficial to health as it reduces the acid reflux by neutralizing the stomach acid
It has a whitening effect on teeth and is used as a mouthwash, its water also cures sores of mouth. It relieves itchy skin and sunburns, it has a positive effect on skin and whitens it. It is used as a deodorant and help lightens the skin when mixed with lemon juice
Baking powder vs Baking Soda:
Even though baking powder and baking soda are two different chemical compounds used for entirely different purposes. Baking powder is used to help baked product rise, while baking soda is used to increase the volume and lighten the texture of product
There is a difference in the chemical properties as well, which gives them entirely different functions. Baking powder is a sodium salt and is generally alkaline in nature. On the other hand, baking soda is a little acidic and needs a liquid to get activated in food
Shelf life of baking powder:
Baking powder has a shelf life of about six months to year, and it entirely depends on the factors in which they are stored. In case of commercial baking powder, a date is mentioned on the label about the expiration date of the product.
If stored in proper conditions, the shelf life increases to one year and few more months. if it is left in favorable storage conditions. The shelf life of opened baking powder is 6 months at least and the shelf life of unopened baking powder is as long as one year
How to store baking powder?
Baking powder comes in natural packaging of airtight bags, and is stored in it too. It is placed in the dry. Cool and dark place where no humidity or light can reach it. Baking powder is stored in the pantry and not refrigerated because it spoils if it gets wet.
In case there is humidity or moisture in storage where baking powder is present, it will make clumps of baking powder. Baking powder won’t do its function properly if it gets wet. It is better to store baking powder in a cool and dry area as it affects the quality.
Baking powder goes bad?
Baking powder has a shelf life of six months and even one year if it is stored properly. But baking powder goes bad in conditions of humidity, moisture, too much heat and wetness. You can tell if baking powder has gone bad by following methods:
- Baking powder dissolves in water and loses its property if only treated with water. It needs a proper heat to moisture ratio to raise your product. If baking powder is stored in a container in which moisture can reach it, it will not help in rising of bakery products
- Another way to recognize if baking powder has gone bad is by adding a teaspoon of baking powder in a cup of boiling water. If upon adding baking powder, bubbles form that means baking powder is safe to use. If it does not happen that means baking powder has lost its properties and it will not help the product rise.
- The commercial expiry date on baking powder’s package is the measure of its shelf life. It is best to discard the product after its expiry date, but if you are sure about perfect storage condition you can still use it
Substitutes of baking powder:
Baking powder is used as a raising agent for bakery products and it helps make food fluffy when added. It is used to make food crispier and fluffy, but it is not the only product you can use. You can use many substitutes of baking powder in baking. Some are:
- Buttermilk
- Plain yogurt
- Molasses
- Cream of tartar
- Sour milk
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Club soda
Other FAQs about Baking Powder which you may be interested in.
Can I use baking powder instead of cornstarch?
Can I use baking powder to clean?
Conclusion:
In this brief article, we have answered the questions: how long does baking powder last, shelf life of baking powder, if baking powder goes bad, and how to tell if baking powder has gone bad.
References:
Baking Powder
