Is Baking Soda the Same as Bicarbonate of Soda? A Complete Guide

Ever stood in your kitchen, clutching a recipe from an American website and wondering, “What exactly is baking soda?” Or maybe you’ve seen a cleaning hack on Instagram recommending bicarbonate of soda and thought, “Is this the same as what I use in my banana bread?”

It’s a surprisingly common question. So, let’s settle it once and for all: Yes, baking soda and bicarbonate of soda are the same thing — just known by different names depending on where you are in the world.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into what it is, where it’s used, how it differs from other similar-sounding products, and why this little white powder is a staple in kitchens and homes across the globe.

Baking Soda and Bicarbonate of Soda: Two Names, One Ingredient

Let’s get straight to the point — baking soda and bicarbonate of soda are chemically identical. The official name for this compound is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃). It’s a naturally occurring crystalline salt often found in mineral springs, though it’s more commonly produced in laboratories and factories for commercial use.

• In the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, it’s called bicarbonate of soda or just bicarb.

• In the United States and Canada, it’s widely known as baking soda.

So whether your recipe or cleaning tip refers to one or the other, they’re both pointing to the same substance.

Baking Uses: Why Sodium Bicarbonate Matters

Sodium bicarbonate is a key player in the world of baking. It’s a leavening agent, which means it helps dough rise. When combined with an acidic ingredient like lemon juice, yoghurt, vinegar, or buttermilk, it produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas forms bubbles in the batter or dough, making cakes and bread light and fluffy.

You’ll commonly find it used in:

• Soda bread

• Cookies and biscuits

• Muffins

• Pancakes

• Chocolate cake

• Gingerbread

Important Tip: Bicarbonate of soda is most effective when there’s an acid in the recipe. Without it, your baked goods might not rise properly, and worse — they may taste bitter or soapy.

Baking Soda vs Baking Powder: Not the Same

A common point of confusion arises between baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and baking powder. These two ingredients are often mistakenly swapped, but they’re not the same.

• Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) is purely sodium bicarbonate.

• Baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate + an acid (like cream of tartar) + a drying agent (like cornflour).

So while baking soda needs an external acid to work, baking powder has it built-in. Always use the correct one the recipe calls for.

Home Cleaning: The Natural All-Rounder

Beyond baking, bicarbonate of soda has gained superstar status in eco-friendly and cost-saving household cleaning. It’s mildly abrasive and alkaline, which makes it perfect for tackling grime and neutralising odours.

Here are just a few cleaning uses:

• Deodorise the fridge: Place an open box inside to absorb smells.

• Freshen up carpets: Sprinkle, let sit for 15 minutes, then hoover.

• Unclog drains: Mix with vinegar for a fizzy drain-cleaning reaction.

• Brighten laundry: Add half a cup to your wash for a whitening boost.

• Scrub sinks and tiles: Make a paste with water and use it to clean surfaces.

Its non-toxic nature makes it ideal for homes with children and pets.

Personal Care & Health Uses

You’d be surprised how often bicarbonate of soda is used in personal care. Many people swear by it for its gentle cleansing and neutralising properties.

Here’s how it’s used at home:

Natural Remedies:

• Indigestion relief – half a teaspoon in water can neutralise stomach acid (use sparingly)

• Mouthwash – mix with water to fight bad breath

• Teeth whitening – gently brush to remove stains (not for daily use)

• Bug bite soother – paste it on to reduce itching

• Foot soak – relax tired feet in a warm bicarbonate bath

DIY Beauty:

• Exfoliant – mix with coconut oil for a natural face scrub

• Deodorant – apply underarms to reduce odour

⚠️ Caution: Always use it in moderation and avoid internal use without medical advice. It’s powerful, but not a cure-all.

What Is Sodium Bicarbonate Made Of?

On a scientific level, sodium bicarbonate is made of:

• Sodium (Na) – an essential mineral

• Hydrogen (H)

• Carbon (C)

• Oxygen (O₃)

Combined, they form a white crystalline powder that is alkaline in nature. That alkalinity is what makes it so useful as a neutraliser — both in food (against acidity) and around the home (for smells, stains, and dirt).

Where to Buy It in the UK?

You can find bicarbonate of soda in most UK supermarkets. It’s typically located:

• In the baking aisle (Dr. Oetker, Silver Spoon, own brands)

• In the cleaning products section (usually labelled as a multipurpose cleaner)

• Online, in bulk, from eco-friendly suppliers or household goods shops

For personal care use, you can also find it sold in health food stores and chemists.

How to Store It

To keep it fresh:

• Store in a cool, dry place

• Use an airtight container

• Avoid moisture to prevent clumping

Once opened, it can lose its potency over time. Replace every 6–12 months if used for baking.

Summary: Is Baking Soda the Same as Bicarbonate of Soda?

Let’s wrap it up with a quick recap:

So yes, baking soda and bicarbonate of soda are two sides of the same coin. Whether you’re whipping up cupcakes or scrubbing the sink, this humble powder is one of the most versatile tools in your home.

Final Thoughts

The next time you see a recipe from across the pond or a DIY tip on social media, you’ll know exactly what’s what. There’s no need to buy both — they’re interchangeable in every way, except the label.

So, is baking soda the same as bicarbonate of soda? Without a doubt — yes. The names may differ, but the science, the purpose, and the results are identical.