- Many people have been warned for years that regular baking powder contains aluminum, which is harmful.
- As a result, they have begun using aluminum-free baking powder in their cooking.
- However, others are under the mistaken impression that every brand of baking powder available today is made with aluminum.
- This isn’t true! There are many brands and varieties of baking powders available without any added aluminum or other harmful ingredients.
Is Aluminum in Baking Powder?
Baking powder is a mixture of baking soda, a dry alkaline acid that reacts in water to produce carbon dioxide and salt.
A primary ingredient used to make baking powder is corn starch.
However, most brands use aluminum-free compounds such as calcium acid phosphate, potassium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, monocalcium phosphate, and sodium aluminum sulfate.
However, some brands use potassium aluminum sulfate as well – a more absorbable source of aluminum.
What Are the Best-Known Brands of Aluminum-Free Baking Powder?
- 1.Bob’s Red Mill Natural Aluminum Free Aluminum
- 2.Red Mill Baking Soda
- 3.Broma Bakery
- 4.Plainville Farms Fine Quality Unaltered Aluminum-Free Baking Powder
How Do You Know If Your Baking Powder Is Aluminum-Free?
Not all baking powders are manufactured equal. Some have aluminum, and some don’t, so you want to make sure the ones you use are free of this ingredient.
You should do your research before buying any baking powder.
Check the label for ingredients that include but are not limited to sodium bicarbonate, cream of tartar, calcium acid phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, potassium bicarbonate, or sodium aluminum sulfate.
The best way to know if you’re getting a high-quality product is by looking at the following things: it should be pure, contain no cornstarch, has 11 months or greater of shelf life.
What Is the Difference Between Regular Baking Powder and Aluminum-Free Baking Powder?
The main difference between regular baking powder and aluminum-free baking powder is that the latter doesn’t contain any aluminum.
However, it still contains sodium bicarbonate and cream of tartar. Many brands of aluminum-free baking powders are gluten-free and unsweetened.
Is Aluminum in Baking Powder Harmful?
Aluminum is known to be a neurotoxin, meaning it can cause damage to the nervous system. Aluminum is also linked to brain damage, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other neurological disorders.
Most people don’t ingest enough aluminum to cause any immediate health problems.
However, those who do decide to consume this ingredient regularly may experience mood changes, behavioral problems, disorientation or memory loss, and eventually dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Does Double-Acting Baking Powder Have Aluminum?
If a product contains sodium aluminum sulfate or sodium aluminate, then yes – this means it is a double-acting baking powder.
However, some brands of regular baking powders contain these ingredients, which may not immediately appear on the label.
Does Calumet Baking Powder Have Aluminum?
Calumet uses pure sea salt, pure cornstarch, or simple tapioca flour as a thickening agent.
There are also no aluminum compounds in their products.
However, the company does use sodium aluminum sulfate and sodium aluminate in some of its baking powders.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Aluminum-Free Baking Powder?
Suppose you’re unable to find an aluminum-free brand of baking powder or want to avoid any processed foods.
In that case, you may be able to purchase other ingredients that will suffice for your recipe, including cream of tartar – ½ teaspoon in 1 cup of flour cornstarch – ½ teaspoon.
In 1 cup of flour arrowroot – ¼ teaspoon in 1 cup of flour potato starch – ¼ teaspoon in 1 cup of flour.
Which Baking Powder Is Best?
- There are many baking powders to choose from, but you’re going to look for one that works well without aluminum or other artificial ingredients. Some great brands include:
- • Bob’s Mill – 100% Natural Rumford Baking Powder
- • Kimball Brook Farm – Organic Unrefined
- • Non-GMO Double-Acting Sodium Aluminum Free Leavening
- • The Wellness Baker – Dairy & Gluten-Free Unflavoured Aluminum Free Non-GMO
- • Sodium Bicarbonate Wholesome Sweeteners – Organic Pure Baking Soda (100 g)
- • Redmond Earth Balance – Cream of Tartar (11 oz) Natural Yeast – Double Acting Baking Powder (5 g)
Bottom Line
- There are several brands of baking powders that contain aluminum and other harmful ingredients.
If you want to use a natural, healthy alternative, you’ll have to look for specifically labeled organic or aluminum-free products.
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