Baking Powder

Leavening Agent

Baking Powder at a glance

Category: Leavening Agent
Also called: Double-acting baking powder, Single-acting baking powder
Commonly found in: Cakes, Cookies, Pancakes, Muffins
Diets reviewed: 26 diets

What is Baking Powder?

Baking powder is a dry chemical leavening agent used to increase the volume and lighten the texture of baked goods. It typically consists of an alkaline component (usually sodium bicarbonate) and an acid (such as cream of tartar), along with a starch to absorb moisture and prevent premature reactions. The starch is often cornstarch but can also be made with potato starch or other alternatives.

Also known as:

Double-acting baking powderSingle-acting baking powder

Diet Compatibility

Corn FreeCaution

Many commercial baking powder brands are made with either wheat or corn starch to prevent clumping. If the label does not specify, we recommend you contact the manufacturer.

Alpha-Gal FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Alphagal diet.

Barley FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Barley Free diet.

Dairy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Dairy Free diet.

Egg FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Egg Free diet.

Fish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fish Free diet.

Garlic FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Garlic Free diet.

GERD FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gerd diet.

Gluten FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gluten Free diet.

Lactose FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lactose Free diet.

Low FODMAPSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fodmap diet.

Lupin FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lupin Free diet.

Milk FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Milk Free diet.

Nightshade FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Nightshades diet.

Oat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Oat Free diet.

Onion FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Onion Free diet.

Peanut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Peanut Free diet.

PescatarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Pescatarian diet.

Rye FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Rye Free diet.

Sesame FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Sesame Free diet.

Shellfish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Shell Fish Free diet.

Soy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Soy Free diet.

Tree Nut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Tree Nut Free diet.

VeganSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Vegan diet.

VegetarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Vegetarian diet.

Wheat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Wheat Free diet.

Compatibility ratings are general guidelines and may vary by individual. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

Why People Avoid Baking Powder

People following a corn-free diet may avoid baking powder because many commercial brands contain cornstarch as an anti-caking agent. For those sensitive to corn, this could trigger allergic reactions or dietary discomfort. It is essential to check labels carefully or use baking powders specifically labeled as corn-free, which may use alternative starches such as potato starch.

Potential Reactions

Allergic reactions (if sensitive to corn)
Digestive discomfort

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual reactions can vary. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about specific ingredients.

Foods That Commonly Contain Baking Powder

Cakes Cookies Pancakes Muffins Biscuits

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Related to Baking Powder

Other ingredients people often check alongside Baking Powder.

Baking SodaUnknown Cream of TartarUnknown

Frequently Asked Questions

How Spoonful reviews ingredients

Evidence-based. Diet compatibility ratings are compiled from peer-reviewed nutrition guidance, dietary association recommendations, and ingredient composition data.
Continuously updated. Our ingredient database is refreshed as new sources and product data become available.
Transparent uncertainty. When an ingredient's safety depends on serving size, preparation, or sub-ingredients, we mark it “caution” rather than forcing a binary answer.
Not medical advice. Ratings are general guidance. Always consult a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.

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