Baking soda is one of those items that may be “set it and forget it,” since it is a common commodity that can be found in the kitchen cabinets of the majority of people. In addition, although it’s true that baking soda won’t necessarily spoil, once it’s been opened, it will start to lose some of its power roughly six months later.
Good to see you! My name is Shea, and I have a passion for baking. Baking soda is one of those items that I have in my arsenal all the time, and I use it for a lot of other things outside just baking. Because I also use it to clean my kitchen and the necessities that I use for baking, it is crucial to know the ins and outs of how long baking soda lasts.
You are not the only one who is wondering how long baking soda will keep after it has been opened. Although it may in theory be preserved indefinitely, this does not always indicate that you should include it in baked goods like bread and cakes. This article will explain when baking soda becomes “stale” and how long it may be stored for before it loses its effectiveness.
Let’s take a look at the fascinating world of baking soda, shall we?
Contents
Does Baking Soda Go Bad?
The short answer is no; baking soda does not really expire in the traditional sense. The primary problem with baking soda is that, as time passes, it loses some of its effectiveness. Therefore, even while you may be able to use older baking soda for things like cleaning, you shouldn’t use it in your baked products since it loses its effectiveness with time.
But don’t be concerned about it. Even if you wind yourself using baking soda that’s many years old in your baked products, there won’t be any negative consequences. Baking soda that has expired won’t make you ill or do anything even close to that. Instead, it’s possible that the leavening activity and the general flavor of the dish you’re making are giving you some trouble.
Why Doesn’t Baking Soda Go Bad?
At this point, you’re probably wondering why baking soda doesn’t expire, which is a reasonable question. Since baking soda is a base, it needs to be combined with an acid in order for it to become “activated.” This is the method that is used to give bread its leavening and make it airy.
Therefore, until your baking soda has been exposed to an acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, it will not activate and, as a result, it will not go bad. Because of this, you won’t see a date of expiry on baking soda anywhere (most of the time).
How Long Does Baking Soda Last?
As a rule of thumb, the following applies:
- An opened box of baking soda lasts approximately six months.
- An unopened box of baking soda lasts up to 3 years.
The fact that baking soda is sold in a box made of cardboard and does not have a lid is the primary factor in this situation. Baking soda will become less effective over time if it is exposed to the scents in the environment and the air. It is for this reason that it is stated that baking soda will lose its power rather than necessarily becoming ‘bad.’
Baking soda’s shelf life may, however, be extended by careful storage. Pouring your baking soda into an airtight container, such as a mason jar, a piece of Tupperware, or even a plastic bag is the greatest method to enhance the life of your baking soda. [Citation needed]
For optimal results, you should make sure that the container does not contain any odors and that there are no odors anywhere around the container. Additionally, ensure that the baking soda is kept in a dry and cold location. Between 30 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimal temperature range for baking soda.
Baking soda has a shelf life that may be extended much beyond the typical six months if it is stored correctly. The majority of folks should plan on at least one year, if not more time.
How to Tell if Your Baking Soda is Bad
You should use some acid to test your baking soda if you are unsure about the quality of the baking soda you are dealing with. Perform the following steps in order to evaluate your baking soda:
- Put one tablespoon of baking soda inside of a medium-sized basin.
- On top of the baking soda, add a few drops of an acidic liquid like vinegar, lemon juice, or any similar substance.
- If the liquid reacts by fizzing and bubbling, then the baking soda has not lost its efficacy.
Keep in mind that baking soda cannot react without the presence of an acid. The baking soda has reached the end of its shelf life if the mixture does not fizz or bubble. However, you shouldn’t throw it out! You may still use baking soda that has been deemed “bad” for cleaning every surface in your house thoroughly.
FAQs
I am here to provide answers to any inquiries you may have about the shelf life of baking soda. Keep reading to get some useful knowledge about the shelf life of baking soda and to find out some key details.
What can you do with old baking soda?
You have a number of options with regards to what you may do with outdated baking soda. My favorite applications include disinfecting pots and pans, reviving stale clothes, churning out homemade play-doh, and removing unpleasant odors from the refrigerator.
CAN expired baking soda kill you?
Baking soda that has gone bad is perfectly safe to consume and will not result in fatalities. On the other hand, it is essential to keep in mind that if the box is exposed to moisture, the baking soda will get clumpy and mold will begin to grow on it. That is a potential risk.
What happens if you use expired baking soda?
Baking soda may be used forever after its “best if used by” date has passed, despite the fact that its effectiveness might diminish with time. A good rule of thumb is that an unopened product has a shelf life of two years, whereas an opened package has a shelf life of six months. Even while it may not have the same amount of leavening effect as fresh baking soda, it is still OK to consume old baking soda.
How do you know if baking soda went bad?
The effect was stronger when the soda was more recently made. The next step is to take a bowl, add a teaspoon of baking soda, and then add a couple tablespoons of vinegar to the bowl. If it quickly hisses and generates fizzy bubbles, you should proceed with the experiment. If the response is just a little fizz, you should not use your baking soda for baking.
How long can you keep baking soda once opened?
The book “The Food Keeper” published by the Food Marketing Institute suggests that unopened baking soda may be kept at room temperature for up to 18 months. After the bottle has been opened, keep it at room temperature for the next six months for the best possible quality.
Can I use baking powder that expired 6 months ago?
Because it is susceptible to damage from exposure to high levels of moisture and humidity, its shelf life is often anything from six months to one year. Baking powder has to be stored in a location that is cold and dry, such the inside of a cabinet, and it needs to be thrown away after its active life has passed.
How long does Arm and Hammer baking soda last?
The product is good for three years after opening. The date that the product is no longer good may be seen on the bottom of both the box and the bag.
Final Thoughts
Baking soda is a nonperishable ingredient that can be found in almost any kitchen. It is also a common pantry staple. However, with time, it will lose some of its effectiveness. Baking soda that has beyond its expiration date may still be put to use for a variety of purposes, including deodorizing the refrigerator, freshening clothes, and cleaning.
What can you do with the used baking soda that you have?
