Does Baking Soda Have a Lot of Sodium?

December 25, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the USDA, a single teaspoon of baking soda contains approximately 1,260 milligrams of sodium, which is more than half of the American Heart Association's recommended daily limit for most adults. This simple fact highlights why baking soda is an important consideration for anyone monitoring their sodium consumption.

Quick Summary

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, contains a significant amount of sodium, with one teaspoon providing over 1,200mg. This article details the sodium content, compares it to table salt, and discusses the health impacts of excessive consumption. It also explores lower-sodium substitutes and proper usage to help individuals manage their dietary sodium intake effectively.

Key Points

High Sodium Content: One teaspoon of baking soda contains approximately 1,260 milligrams of sodium, over half of the recommended daily limit for many individuals.
Fundamental Chemical Composition: The compound is called 'sodium bicarbonate' (NaHCO3) because sodium is a core, non-optional part of its chemical makeup.
Health Risks from Overuse: Excessive consumption, especially in medicinal applications, can lead to fluid retention, electrolyte imbalances, and severe complications, particularly for individuals with kidney or heart conditions.
Safer Alternatives for Antacids: Due to the high sodium and potential for side effects, safer over-the-counter antacids are recommended for heartburn relief instead of household baking soda.
Low-Sodium Replacements Available: For baking, potassium bicarbonate and specially formulated low-sodium baking powders can be used as effective replacements to reduce sodium intake.
Baking vs. Ingestion: While the sodium in baking soda is distributed across multiple servings in baked goods, large, direct doses are the primary cause for concern regarding health risks.

The High Sodium Content of Baking Soda Explained

Baking soda, chemically known as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), is a compound that, by its very nature, contains sodium. A closer look at its chemical formula reveals that each molecule includes one sodium atom (Na) bonded to a bicarbonate group (HCO3). The presence of sodium is not a minor component; rather, it is a core part of its chemical makeup and is responsible for many of its properties, including its function as a leavening agent and antacid.

Baking Soda vs. Table Salt: A Comparison

While table salt (sodium chloride) and baking soda both contain sodium, their composition and sodium concentration differ. Understanding this difference is crucial for dietary management, as many people underestimate the sodium contribution from baking soda. Per teaspoon, table salt contains slightly more sodium by weight, but the density and usage patterns mean baking soda can be a surprisingly high contributor to daily intake.

How Does Baking Soda's Sodium Impact Health?

Excessive sodium intake is a well-documented risk factor for several health issues, particularly for individuals with or at risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease. The body requires sodium for proper nerve and muscle function, but an overload can lead to fluid retention, placing extra strain on the heart and kidneys.

When baking soda is ingested, either in baked goods or as a home antacid remedy, the sodium is absorbed by the body. Frequent or large doses can disrupt the body's electrolyte balance, potentially leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and kidney failure. Medical professionals caution against using it as a regular antacid, recommending safer, over-the-counter alternatives instead.

Finding Alternatives for Low-Sodium Baking

For those on a low-sodium diet, simply using less baking soda may not be an option, as it affects the texture and rise of baked goods. Fortunately, several effective substitutes are available that can help reduce sodium without compromising results.

Low-Sodium Alternatives:

Potassium Bicarbonate: A direct one-to-one replacement for baking soda, this alternative uses potassium instead of sodium. It works similarly as a leavening agent when combined with an acid.
Potassium Chloride: Often used as a salt substitute, potassium chloride can also help reduce sodium in some recipes.
Low-Sodium Baking Powder: This pre-mixed leavening agent, available from brands like Rumford and Hain, contains baking soda along with a different acidic component to minimize sodium content.
Yeast: In some recipes, yeast can be used as a leavening agent. This is best for items like breads that do not require an immediate chemical reaction and where the flavour profile is acceptable.

A Comparison of Common Leavening Agents


Feature	Baking Soda	Low-Sodium Baking Powder	Yeast	Potassium Bicarbonate
Sodium Content	Very High (~1260mg per tsp)	Significantly Lower (e.g., 280mg per tsp)	Very Low / None	Very Low / None
Reaction Type	Reacts instantly with acid and moisture	Reacts with moisture and heat (double-acting)	Biological, slow fermentation	Reacts with acid and moisture
Best For...	Cookies, quick breads (acidic recipes)	Most baked goods	Breads and doughs	Replacing baking soda in recipes
Flavor Impact	Can leave a metallic or soapy taste if too much is used without an acid	Can have a neutral flavor profile	Adds a distinctive, yeasty flavor	Similar to baking soda, slightly different taste

Proper Usage and Precautions

For everyday baking, the amount of sodium from baking soda is often negligible when distributed across an entire recipe and multiple servings. The concern arises with frequent or large consumption, especially in therapeutic contexts. The National Capital Poison Center advises against using large amounts of baking soda for self-treatment of indigestion. Anyone with underlying health conditions, such as kidney or heart disease, should always consult their doctor before using sodium bicarbonate for medicinal purposes.

Conclusion

In summary, baking soda is indeed high in sodium, and this is a fundamental aspect of its chemical structure as sodium bicarbonate. For those on a restricted-sodium diet, being mindful of this ingredient is important, whether it's used in cooking, as an antacid, or for other home remedies. The good news is that for most baking applications, effective, lower-sodium alternatives are readily available. By understanding the composition and potential health implications, consumers can make more informed choices to manage their sodium intake without sacrificing taste or quality in their culinary creations. For specific medical advice regarding sodium intake and health, always consult a healthcare professional. For more information on sodium guidelines, a good resource is the American Heart Association.

Key Takeaways

Baking soda contains a significant amount of sodium: A single teaspoon has over 1,200 milligrams of sodium, which is a substantial portion of the daily recommended limit.
It is chemically 'sodium' bicarbonate: The presence of sodium is not an additive but a core component of the compound's chemical formula (NaHCO3).
Excessive intake can have health consequences: Overconsumption, particularly for those with existing health issues like high blood pressure, can lead to serious problems such as electrolyte imbalances and fluid retention.
Safer alternatives exist for therapeutic use: For relieving heartburn, safer over-the-counter antacids are recommended instead of baking soda.
Low-sodium baking is possible: Alternatives like potassium bicarbonate or low-sodium baking powder can replace baking soda in recipes.
Moderate use in cooking is generally fine: When used in small amounts for baking and distributed across multiple servings, baking soda's sodium content is less of a concern than its use in large, direct doses.

FAQs

Question: How much sodium is in one teaspoon of baking soda? Answer: A single teaspoon of baking soda contains approximately 1,260 milligrams of sodium.

Question: Is baking soda worse than table salt for sodium intake? Answer: Per teaspoon, table salt contains more sodium by weight, but baking soda's high sodium content and potential for large-dose ingestion (e.g., as an antacid) make it a significant source of concern for people monitoring their sodium.

Question: Can baking soda cause high blood pressure? Answer: Yes, excessive sodium intake from any source, including baking soda, can contribute to high blood pressure, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions like kidney or heart disease.

Question: What is a good low-sodium replacement for baking soda in recipes? Answer: Potassium bicarbonate is a common and effective one-to-one replacement. Low-sodium baking powders are also a great option.

Question: Can I use baking soda for heartburn relief? Answer: While it temporarily neutralizes stomach acid, it is not recommended for regular use. Large doses are risky due to high sodium content and the risk of stomach rupture. Safer OTC products are preferred.

Question: Are there any health benefits to baking soda despite the high sodium? Answer: Some research suggests that controlled, physician-supervised doses of sodium bicarbonate may improve athletic performance and have anti-inflammatory effects. However, these are specific, not general, applications.

Question: Is it safe to drink baking soda water daily? Answer: No, drinking baking soda water daily is not recommended. The high sodium can lead to electrolyte imbalances, fluid retention, and other serious health complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single teaspoon of baking soda contains approximately 1,260 milligrams of sodium, which is more than half of the American Heart Association's daily recommended limit.

While table salt contains more sodium by weight per teaspoon, baking soda's high concentration and potential for larger, direct ingestion (e.g., as an antacid) make it a significant and often overlooked source of sodium. For those on restricted diets, both require careful monitoring.

Yes, excessive sodium intake from baking soda can contribute to high blood pressure, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions like kidney or heart disease. The body retains fluid in response to high sodium, putting extra strain on the heart.

Potassium bicarbonate is a functional, one-to-one replacement for baking soda. Low-sodium baking powders, such as those made by Rumford or Hain, are also excellent alternatives that provide the leavening effect with less sodium.

No, it is not safe to use baking soda as a daily, long-term antacid. It can lead to serious electrolyte imbalances, fluid retention, and other complications due to its high sodium content. Safer over-the-counter products are recommended.

Baking powder contains both baking soda and an acid. While it contains sodium, some varieties are formulated to be lower in sodium than pure baking soda. However, both contribute sodium to a recipe and should be monitored on a low-sodium diet.

An overdose of baking soda can cause severe side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and kidney failure. It can also lead to a chemical reaction in the stomach that releases gas, potentially causing stomach rupture. Poison control should be contacted immediately in such cases.