Does Baking Powder Have Gluten? (& GF Substitutes)

Last Updated on April 1, 2022

Today, we’re going to be answering the question: does baking powder have gluten and taking a look at other gluten-free substitutes for baking powder. While you may think the baking powder is gluten-free, that is not always the case and we’ll be taking a look at some instances where it may not be. But first, let’s take a look at what baking powder is and what it’s used for.

What Is Baking Powder?

Quite simply, baking powder is a leavening agent. It helps foods to rise, as well as increases the volume and makes the texture lighter. Baking powder reacts when you add water to it. Adding water causes the reaction and will help whatever you’re baking to expand.

What Is Baking Powder Used For?

Baking powder is more commonly used to raise baked goods and food items. Whether you’re making cakes, muffins, cookies, or any other delicious treat, baking powder is what makes the goods light, fluffy, and rise to the volume they need to be. Another top tip is that it’s also a great detergent – so you can use your baking powder for multiple reasons!

Ingredients In Baking Powder

While the ingredients may differ from brand to brand, every baking powder needs to have a base, a filler, and an acid. Typically, this is baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch. However, always be sure to check the ingredients labels.

Read more about: Does Cornstarch Have Gluten?

Gluten Free Baking Powder

It may surprise you how many popular baking powders available are gluten-free. Many of which are easily accessible and very reasonably priced – which is more than can be said about many of the gluten-free products we buy.

Take a look at some of our top picks:

Clabber Girl

Clabber Girl state on their website that their baking powder is safe when following a gluten-free diet. Their Double Acting Baking Powder is also certified kosher too, meaning it’s suitable for a range of dietary lifestyles. You can find it on stores such as Amazon, for around $6.

Bob’s Red Mill

Bob’s Red Mill is my go-to brand for any of my gluten-free needs. Their Double Acting Baking Powder is certified gluten-free, which means that it’s as safe as can possibly be for those following a gluten-free diet. And the bonus of this baking powder is that it’s available for around $4 per bag.

Argo

Another Double Acting Baking Powder comes from Argo. And this baking powder is incredible value for money, at just $1.50! It makes very clear gluten-free claims and can be used safely when following a gluten-free diet.

Other Brands

Some other brands you may like to consider are:

• Rumford
• Davis
• Hearth Club
• Roots
• Royal
• Goldbaum’s
• Thrive Market

Gluten Free Substitute For Baking Powder

If you’re choosing not to use baking powder in your baking, there are plenty of other gluten-free substitutes you may like to try. Let’s take a look.

Baking Soda

The most obvious replacement is baking soda. However, you’ll need to add some acid to the baking soda if that’s the choice you’re going with. The perfect acid component with baking soda is buttermilk.

When using baking soda, it’s important to mention that a little goes a long way! For example: if your recipe calls for one teaspoon of baking powder, you’ll only need 1/4 of a spoon of baking powder.

Cornstarch

Being gluten intolerant, you’ll likely already have cornstarch in your pantry – which makes cornstarch another perfect alternative. You need to make a cornstarch mixture if you’re choosing this one. As you know, every baking powder needs a base, an acid, and a filler. You’ll need 2 parts cornstarch, 1 part baking soda, and 1 part cream of tartar. Once you have your cornstarch mixture, the replacement for baking powder is 1:1.

Other Substitutes

There are a few other substitutes you can use. However, many have to be paired with one or more of each other to make sure you have the right components. Some replacements are:

• whipped egg whites
• gluten-free self-raising flour
• club soda
• lemon juice
• sour milk
• vinegar
• cream of tartar
• plain yogurt
• molasses

Difference Between Baking Powder and Baking Soda

The difference between the two is very simple. Baking powder only needs a liquid to activate, as it already contains baking soda and an acid. However, baking soda does not contain acid and will need an acid to achieve the same reaction. They can not be used interchangeably as some people seem to think.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped to answer the question: does baking powder have gluten? And introduced you to the range of gluten-free substitutes you can use if you’re unable to obtain any gluten-free baking powder. Remember that if you’re using baking soda, you’ll need to add an acid to use it as a replacement for baking powder.

Do you know of other gluten-free baking powder brands? Or any other substitutes for baking powder? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. Sharing is caring!

Read more about: How To Make Cornbread Without Baking Powder?

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