Using Whipped Egg Whites Instead of Baking Soda

Reviewed by the CupOrGram Editorial TeamSources: King Arthur Baking, USDA FoodData CentralMethodology
Ratio
Beat the recipe's egg whites to soft peaks and fold in last; omit the baking soda
Moderate — noticeable differences, use with care

Recipe Adjustment Notes

Mechanical lift instead of chemical. Best for sponge-style cakes and pancakes; cookies won't spread or brown the same way.

The Science Behind This Swap

Trapped air expands in the oven to provide rise; with no acid-base reaction, browning and pH-driven spread are lost.

Measurement Variance Note

For 1 cup references, this ingredient can vary by about 6% across brands and measuring methods (203g-229g per cup). For the most reliable substitution result, measure by weight and test a half batch first.

How Whipped Egg Whites Compares for Baking Soda

Quality rating: moderate. Mechanical lift instead of chemical. Best for sponge-style cakes and pancakes; cookies won't spread or brown the same way.

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