How To Test Baking Powder For Freshness

You found a can of baking powder tucked away in the back of the pantry and you aren’t sure how old it is or whether it’s still good to use in baking. Here’s a quick test for freshness:

Spoonful Of Baking Powder

• Pour a teaspoonful of baking powder into a bowl or small glass.
• Fill the bowl with hot water to cover the baking powder (about 1/4 cup should do it).

If the baking powder begins to bubble happily, it’s fine to use in your recipes.

Tip: For best results, do not dip a wet spoon into the can of baking powder when measuring what you need. The moisture will activate the baking powder left behind in the can and it won’t be as good to use next time. If you see lumps in your baking powder, that’s usually a sign moisture has found its way in.

Did You Know:

• If sealed properly, baking powder can last two years.
• Baking powder is a key part of “kitchen science”, it’s an active ingredient that helps baked goods rise (called a leavening agent).
• If your baking powder doesn’t pass the freshness test, see this list of substitutes you can use to replace it in recipes (scroll to the bottom of article): Baking Powder Substitutes.

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