All About Baking powder
Your complete guide to baking powder - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Baking powder Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for baking powder in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
unopened pantryUp to 2 years from manufacturing date, or 6-12 months past printed 'best by' date.
Signs of Spoilage
Significant clumping (indicating moisture ingress), complete loss of leavening ability.
How to Check
Visual inspection for hard, solid clumps. While unopened, it's less likely to lose potency quickly, but if very old, perform the 'fizz test' (described under 'opened pantry') to confirm potency before use in a critical recipe.
Storage Tips
Store in its original, unopened, airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place away from heat, humidity, and strong odors.
opened pantry6-12 months after opening for optimal leavening power.
Signs of Spoilage
Lack of leavening action in baked goods, significant clumping/hardening of the powder, absence of fizz when tested.
How to Check
-
Fizz Test: Place 1 teaspoon of baking powder into 1/2 cup of hot tap water. If it produces a vigorous fizz, it's still active. Little to no fizz indicates it has lost its potency.
-
Visual Inspection: Check for hard clumps or a solid mass, which means moisture has gotten in and it's likely inactive.
Storage Tips
Always reseal the container tightly immediately after use. Store in a cool, dry pantry, away from steam, humidity, and direct sunlight. Do not store in the refrigerator, as condensation can introduce moisture and reduce its effectiveness.