Is Baking Powder Gluten-Free?

Using a leaving agent like baking powder is crucial in baking. Baking powder is responsible for getting a baked good to rise properly. If you've ever done even the smallest amount of baking, you've probably used baking powder. But what exactly is baking powder, and is baking powder gluten-free?

This post was revised in August 2023 to clarify the directions and then again in March 2025 to give a better short answer.

The quick answer to this question is that yes, baking powder itself is gluten free! But you should always buy a brand that is certified gluten free, and I'll explain why. In this post, we'll go over all things baking powder: what it is, what's in it, the top brands to look for, and how to make your own homemade gluten-free baking powder.

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Jump to:

• Short Answer: Is Baking Powder Gluten-Free?
• What is Baking Powder?
• Single Acting versus Double Acting
• The Importance of Reading Labels
• Gluten-Free Baking Powder Brands
• Ingredients List of DIY Baking Powder
• How to Make Baking Powder
• Pro Tip
• How to Test Shelf Life of Baking Powder
• FAQs
• More Baking Guides
• Recipe

What is Baking Powder?

Baking powder is a white powder, chemical leavener that helps breads, cakes, and other baked goods rise. If you want to achieve that fluffy texture, you need to use a leavening agent.

Baking powder is very commonly used in baking, so chances are you have it in your kitchen and have used it. It is typically mixed in with the gluten-free flours and other dry ingredients and works by reacting to moisture and creating carbon dioxide (bubbles), which causes breads, cakes, muffins, and other baked goods to rise and have volume. Without baking powder or another leavening agent, you'd end up with something dense and flat.

Single Acting versus Double Acting

The two types of baking powder are single-acting and double-acting. Most baking powders you'll find are double-acting. If you check what kind of baking powder you have in your kitchen, it's probably the double-acting kind. This just means that the baking powder reacts twice: once when exposed to moisture (the liquids in your batter or dough) and then a second chemical reaction when exposed to high heat (the oven).

On the other hand, single-acting baking powder (which may be called regular baking powder) reacts once when exposed to moisture. This kind of baking powder will make your dough rise as soon as it comes into contact with your wet ingredients. When you're using single-acting baking powder, make sure you bake the item right after you mix everything together (while the bubbles from the reaction are still there).

 

 

The Importance of Reading Labels

Although baking powder doesn't contain any gluten in itself, it's essential to buy a brand of baking powder that specifically says it's certified gluten free. This is because there's a possibility of cross-contamination with some baking powders that are made with ingredients processed in the same facilities as gluten-containing products.

Additionally, some brands may use wheat starch in their baking powder, which makes these brands of baking powder not gluten free. That's why it's so important to pay close attention to the label.

If the label does not clearly state if the product is gluten-free or it is confusing, then head to the manufacturer's website or give them a call to find out for sure.

Gluten-Free Baking Powder Brands

Both single acting and double-acting baking powder are common ingredients in gluten-free recipes, and there are a lot of brands available, but which baking powder brand is gluten free?

Fortunately, there are many brands of gluten free baking powder to choose from. Here are several great options to add to your gluten free baking supplies:

• Clabber Girl Baking Powder
• Bob's Red Mill Baking Powder
• Argo
• Rumford
• I'm Free

These brands have allergen statements, making them safe for those on a gluten-free diet. In the United States, baking powder is available in most stores (your local grocery store or online).

Ingredients List of DIY Baking Powder

So, what is baking powder actually made of? It contains just three ingredients: baking soda (sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda), an acidic ingredient (sodium aluminum sulfate or cream of tartar), and a starch (usually corn starch or potato starch).

How to Make Baking Powder

If you're not interested in purchasing gluten free baking powder, you can always make your own. Here's how you can make homemade baking powder with just a few ingredients:

How to Test Shelf Life of Baking Powder

Before using any baking powder, but particularly the DIY baking powder, it's a good idea to test to see if it's still good. Test it by adding ½ teaspoon of the baking powder to ¼ cup of hot water. If it fizzes, it's fine to use, if not, then it is no longer fresh. 

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