You, like many others, likely consider baking powder to be a standard kitchen item that never expires.
But, there are some foods where the expiration date on the packaging may not be accurate.
In this article we explain how baking powder goes bad and what you should do about it.
We also show you how to check the expiration date on your baking powder and discuss ways to keep it fresh.
How do you know if baking powder is bad?
Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps baked goods rise.
It is typically made from cornstarch, cream of tartar or sodium bicarbonate, plus an acid such as cream of tartar or citric acid.
If any of these ingredients start to break down, they can no longer help the batter rise. This causes the batter to fail and fall flat.
The best way to determine whether baking powder has gone bad is to look for specific signs.
If you notice that the baking powder is no longer working as expected — you don’t see any bubbles when you add the baking powder to the batter — then you know that the baking powder has gone bad.
What are the signs that baking powder has gone bad?
There are several different signs that baking powder has gone bad.
The first sign is that the granules have broken down into a powdery dust.
This can happen even if the package hasn’t been opened.
You may also notice that the color of the baking powder has changed.
Some brands of baking powder turn yellowish brown after they are exposed to air.
Others become darker after being stored for years.
You can also check the expiration date.
When baking powder starts to change colors, the expiration date could be wrong.
In fact, the expiration dates on many packages of baking powder are only valid for six months.
After that, the product can be considered spoiled.
How long does baking powder last?
Most baking powders have a shelf life of two to three years.
However, some products have a shorter shelf life because of their high moisture content.
For example, flour-based baking powders tend to spoil faster than those made from starches.
What is the shelf life of baking powder?
The shelf life of baking powder depends on the type of baking powder.
While all baking powders have a shelf life of two to three years, some of them are more sensitive to moisture.
For instance, flour-based baking powders have a shelf life of up to five years, while starch-based baking powders have a shelf life of up to 10 years.
Baking powder made from both flours and starches has a shelf life of up to 15 years.
Once the baking powder reaches its expiration date, it’s best to throw it away.
How do you store baking powder?
Once you open the baking powder container, you need to keep it dry and out of direct sunlight.
Store the baking powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Don’t put it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Baking powder can freeze at temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and thaw at room temperature.
Can you use expired baking powder?
No.
Even though the expiration date on the package may be inaccurate, it doesn’t mean that the baking powder itself is bad.
Instead, it means that the company selling the baking powder failed to accurately label the expiration date.
So, don’t waste money on expired baking powder.
Throw it out instead.
What happens if you use bad baking powder?
Using bad baking powder will cause your baked goods to collapse.
If you make something like bread or muffins, the result will be flat bread or crumbly muffins.
If you bake cookies, you might end up with cookie dough that won’t hold together.
Baking powder is often used in combination with other leavening agents, such as yeast.
When baking powder goes bad, you need to replace it with another leavening agent so that your recipe works correctly.
How can you tell if baking powder is still good?
The easiest way to test baking powder is to buy new baking powder and compare it to the old baking powder.
If the new baking powder rises significantly higher than the old one, the new baking powder is probably better than the old one.
Another way to test baking powder is by mixing it into some water.
If the new baking powder makes a lot more bubbles, it’s probably fine.
As with comparing baking powders, the amount of bubbles you get will depend on the brand of baking powder you use.
To figure out which brand is best, try a few different brands and choose the one that gives you the most bubbles.
What do you do with old baking powder?
Old baking powder can be reused.
Just mix it with water and let it sit until it turns white.
This indicates that the baking powder has lost its effectiveness.
When you’ve finished using it, just discard it.
How do you make sure your baking powder is fresh?
To ensure that your baking powder is fresh, follow these tips:
Make sure you purchase baking powder that is packaged in a sealed
container.
Avoid buying baking powder in bulk, because it can lose potency over
time.
Don’t use expired baking powder.
If you cannot find any other baking powder, use 1 teaspoon of salt
per cup of flour.
This will give your baked goods a lift.
Store your baking powder in a cool, dark place.
Make sure it stays dry and out of direct sunlight.
Keep track of how much baking powder you use so that you know
when to replace it.
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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