You often can’t bake any treat without baking powder. It is a must-have in every home. But it is often left in the kitchen cupboard without any thought as to when it may expire.
You may be in a baking mood and see that most recipes call for baking powder. So you whip out your baking powder but start to wonder as you realize you have passed the best-by date: Has my baking powder gone bad?
Can baking powder even go bad?
The answer to this question is yes. Your baking powder will eventually go bad as it is sensitive to humidity and moisture. However, its shelf-life is pretty long. Your baking powder can last six months or up to a year.
How To Test If Your Baking Powder Has Gone Bad
Baking powder doesn’t show signs of spoilage; however, it may lose its usefulness as it deteriorates in quality over time. For that reason, you’ll have to test your baking powder to see if it will still perform its baking function and hasn’t lost its potency.
To test your baking powder, use a third cup of hot water, and put one teaspoon in it. It should begin to fizzle and bubble immediately. If it does bubble, then you can continue with your baking. If it doesn’t, your baking powder isn’t unsafe, but it will not make your baking dishes rise as it is supposed to.
So get rid of it and head to the store for a new one.
How To Store Baking Powder Correctly
To keep your baking powder fresh and potent for as long as possible, keep it covered in a cool, dark place such as a pantry. Make sure it is away from moisture. If it happens to get wet, it will lose its ability to perform its functions.
Remember: keep it sealed in an airtight container to retain its freshness after opening.
The Shelf-Life of Baking Powder
If you’re wondering how long baking powder lasts – it can stay good for a pretty long time. Check the label for a best-by date which gives an estimate of how long your baking powder may last.
Here’s the key takeaway. Baking powder can last up to six months past this best-by date. But you’ll need to check your baking powder for potency and freshness after it has passed its best-by date.
The Verdict
Baking powder shouldn’t be confused with baking soda. Despite their similar names and appearances, there are key differences.
Baking soda is a leavening agent like baking powder, which requires acid and liquid to activate this ingredient. Baking powder is activated by liquid and then by heat. This causes a reaction that makes your baking goods rise.
Although there are no clear signs that baking powder may have gone bad, fortunately, it lasts for a substantial time. With a handy self-test, you’re able to test if it will still be useful when you need to for your baking. If your baking powder has passed the best-by date, make sure to test it for potency and freshness.
