Recipe uses UK, Australian, or NZ wording
Treat bicarbonate of soda as baking soda
The name changes by region, but the ingredient in the tin or box is the same sodium bicarbonate.
Bicarbonate of Soda vs Baking Soda
In baking, bicarbonate of soda and baking soda refer to the same ingredient: sodium bicarbonate. The difference is mostly regional naming, not chemistry.
Quick Answer
They are the same ingredient. The only real difference is naming: bicarbonate of soda is more common in UK and Australian recipes, while baking soda is standard in the US.
Decision Guide
Recipe uses US wording
Treat baking soda as bicarbonate of soda
No conversion is needed because the chemistry and strength are identical.
You are comparing to baking powder
Do not assume they are equivalent
Baking powder is a different product that includes acid and starch, so this is not the same naming situation.
Topic
Bicarbonate of Soda
Baking Soda
Chemical identity
Sodium bicarbonate.
Sodium bicarbonate.
Main usage
Leavening with acidic ingredients.
Leavening with acidic ingredients.
Common regions
UK, Australia, NZ phrasing.
US phrasing.
Conversion behavior
Same density and conversion behavior.
Same density and conversion behavior.
Can you swap directly?
Yes, 1:1 (same ingredient).
Yes, 1:1 (same ingredient).
When to Use Bicarbonate of Soda
- Use this label if your recipe uses UK/AU wording.
- Treat it exactly like baking soda in substitutions and conversions.
- Verify freshness if rise seems weak.
When to Use Baking Soda
- Use this label if your recipe uses US wording.
- Treat it exactly like bicarbonate of soda in substitutions and conversions.
- Store dry and sealed to maintain performance.
Worked example: following a UK cookie recipe in the US
If a British recipe calls for 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda and your pantry says baking soda, use the same 1 teaspoon. You do not need to change the amount, the conversion page, or the substitution logic.
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda = 1 tsp baking soda.
- The same acid-balance rules still apply.
- Only switch to baking powder if the recipe itself calls for a different leavener.
FAQ
Is bicarbonate of soda the same as baking soda?
Yes. They are two names for the same ingredient: sodium bicarbonate.
Do I need to adjust recipe amounts between the two names?
No. Since they are the same ingredient, use the same amount.
Why does one recipe say bicarbonate and another say baking soda?
It is mostly a regional language difference rather than a different product.