A little reason to celebrate
National Bicarbonate of Soda Day
Fun · Food · December 30
A look at bicarbonate of soda, better known as baking soda, the plain white powder that helps quick breads rise and earns a spot in kitchen cupboards.
National Bicarbonate of Soda Day falls on Wednesday, December 30, 2026. That is 64 days away.
Bicarbonate of soda is the same thing most American kitchens call baking soda. It is a fine white powder, slightly salty and a little bitter on the tongue, and it usually lives in a small box near the flour.
Its main job in cooking is leavening. When baking soda meets an acid, such as buttermilk, yogurt, lemon juice, brown sugar or natural cocoa, it releases carbon dioxide. Those bubbles get trapped in batter and dough, which is how pancakes puff and quick breads rise without yeast. Heat helps the reaction along, so batters made with it are often best baked soon after mixing.
A little goes a long way. Too much leaves a soapy, metallic taste, which is why recipes tend to call for it by the half teaspoon. It is also different from baking powder, which already contains an acid mixed in. The two are not always swapped one for one.
Outside of baking, the powder has a reputation as a gentle scrubber. Mixed with a bit of water into a paste, it can help lift stuck-on grime from pans and sinks without scratching most surfaces. Many people keep an open box in the refrigerator, where it is said to soak up odors.
The classic kitchen demonstration is the volcano: baking soda plus vinegar, and a fizzing rush of foam that never quite gets old.
Ways to celebrate
- Bake soda bread, buttermilk pancakes or another quick bread that uses baking soda.
- Make a vinegar and baking soda volcano with kids in the sink.
- Scrub a stained pan with a baking soda and water paste.
- Check the date on the box in your cupboard and replace it if old.
- Compare the labels on baking soda and baking powder.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday, December 30 |
| 2027 | Thursday, December 30 |
| 2028 | Saturday, December 30 |
| 2029 | Sunday, December 30 |
| 2030 | Monday, December 30 |
All national days on December 30