5 Best Baking Soda Substitutes for Biscuits

Quick tip: Using baking powder may result in slightly less rise and a more neutral flavor, but biscuits will remain tender and fluffy.

Baking powder contains both an acid and a base, which react when moistened and heated to produce carbon dioxide gas, causing dough to rise. Since biscuits often include acidic components like buttermilk, baking soda neutralizes acidity and leavens; baking powder bypasses the need for additional acid.

To succeed, increase the amount of baking powder to about three times the baking soda amount because baking powder is less potent. Avoid adding extra acidic ingredients as baking powder already contains acid.

The final biscuits may have a slightly different crumb texture and less browning due to the absence of the alkalinity from baking soda, but they will still be light and tender.

Quick tip: Potassium bicarbonate leavens similarly without adding sodium, but may impart a slightly different taste if used in large amounts.

Potassium bicarbonate is chemically similar to baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and releases carbon dioxide when heated with acid, causing dough to rise. It is often used as a sodium-free alternative.

Use it in a 1:1 ratio, but be mindful that it lacks sodium, which can affect flavor balance. It works best when the biscuit recipe contains acidic ingredients like buttermilk.

The texture and rise are comparable to baking soda, but the flavor may be subtly different, and it is ideal for those limiting sodium intake.

Quick tip: Use only in thin, dry biscuits to avoid ammonia odor; not recommended for moist or thick biscuits.

Baking ammonia decomposes into carbon dioxide and ammonia gas when heated, providing leavening. It was traditionally used before baking soda but is only suitable for dry, thin baked goods because ammonia gas can get trapped in moist dough, causing off-flavors.

If using, ensure biscuits are thin and well-ventilated during baking to allow ammonia to escape. Avoid use in recipes with high moisture or fat content.

When successful, it produces a very crisp texture, but the risk of ammonia taste limits its use in typical biscuit recipes.

Quick tip: Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, so omit added salt and baking soda; biscuits may be less tender and slightly denser.

Self-rising flour includes baking powder and salt, which provide leavening and seasoning. By substituting all-purpose flour with self-rising flour and removing baking soda and salt from the recipe, you can achieve leavening.

Because baking powder is less potent than baking soda, the rise may be less pronounced. Also, the salt content in self-rising flour may affect flavor balance, so adjust accordingly.

The resulting biscuits tend to be slightly denser and less fluffy but still acceptable for quick biscuit recipes.

Quick tip: Provides lift through air incorporation but changes texture and requires recipe adjustment; not a direct chemical substitute.

Whipped egg whites introduce air bubbles into the dough, which expand during baking to provide leavening. This mechanical leavening can partially compensate for the absence of baking soda.

To use, separate eggs and whip whites to soft peaks, then gently fold into biscuit dough. This method requires reducing liquid slightly and omitting baking soda.

The texture will be lighter and more delicate, but biscuits may lack the characteristic rise and crumb structure baking soda provides. This is more labor-intensive and less reliable for consistent results.