Have you ever gone in for what you had hoped might be the most satisfying scone bite, only to have your dreams shattered by an unshakably unpleasant metallic taste?
This happened because your scone had baking powder with aluminum in it.
Many baking powders contain aluminum. When we’re baking from memory, or if we’re a little rusty on measurements, too much of this baking powder can result in its metallic taste permeating our pastries.
Why is there aluminum in baking powder?
The reason that baking powder contains aluminum, is that the aluminum results in a baking powder that is heat-activated. This means that once you’ve placed your baked good (with aluminum baking powder) into the oven, the powder will become activated upon exposure to the warming temperatures. Although there is not a significant amount of evidence to support the potential danger of ingesting aluminum through baking powder, its metallic aftertaste has been known to linger, spoiling a perfectly delicious batch of baked goods.
How to bake without aluminum
What easy lifestyle change can you make to ensure that you avoid this disappointing circ*mstance at all costs? Buy aluminum-free baking powder instead!
Choosing a baking powder that doesn’t contain aluminum will eliminate the possibility of any unwanted metallic tastes, and the tiny catch is an easy one. If your baking powder is aluminum-free, it means that the ‘leavening agent’ inside the baking powder will start working once it’s been added to the dough. So when using aluminum-free, you’ve gotta be stealthy. Add it as your last ingredient, and don’t dawdle around finishing the dough and getting it into the oven. If you wait too long, the baking powder will have lost its effect before your dough even starts baking. Get your baking powder into the mixture, and into the oven it goes.
If all this talk about baking and scones has put you in a mood, here is a Spud-approved scone recipe to get it out of your system. These pumpkin spice scones are the perfect pair to your favourite fall hot drink. They’realso (you guessed it) aluminum-free, kid-friendly, and deliciously addictive. Happy baking!
SPUD has been delivering local and organic groceries in Vancouver and the lower mainland for the past 20 years, and now services Vancouver Island, Calgary, and Edmonton as well!
FAQs
If your baking powder is aluminum-free, it means that the 'leavening agent' inside the baking powder will start working once it's been added to the dough. So when using aluminum-free, you've gotta be stealthy. Add it as your last ingredient, and don't dawdle around finishing the dough and getting it into the oven.
Why do I need aluminum-free baking powder? ›
By using aluminum-containing baking powder, the products have a more alkaline or bitter taste. Through the comparison test, there is none alkaline taste and bitter taste by using Angel free aluminum baking powder,which obviously improves the taste and flavor of the product and improves customer satisfaction.
Why do I need aluminum-free baking powder for chicken wings? ›
However, if you search in your baking cabinet just a bit longer, you'll find exactly what you need: aluminum-free baking powder, which helps reduce moisture — the enemy of a perfect, crispy chicken wing, no fryer required.
Does baking soda need to be aluminum-free? ›
No, baking soda does not contain aluminum, but some varieties of baking powder can. So look for aluminum-free baking powder the next time you are at the store, but don't worry about the baking soda. You can buy the big bags of the cheap stuff–no problem.
Is Clabber Girl aluminum-free baking powder? ›
Clabber Girl baking powder removes phosphates, aluminum.
What can I use if I don't have aluminum-free baking powder? ›
You can also make your own single-acting baking powder: for 1 teaspoon of baking powder, mix 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch. This can be scaled up or down, proportionally. Or you can make a little jar of it, not too much, and use it as needed.
What does sodium aluminum phosphate do to your body? ›
Sodium aluminum phosphate is considered a phosphorus-containing ingredient. Additionally, some studies suggest that excessive aluminum exposure, especially exposure that can occur in occupational settings like aluminum production, may cause adverse reproductive and neurological health impacts (1,2).
Does Bob's Red Mill baking powder contain aluminum? ›
It has no aluminum added and no bitter aftertaste. Bob's Red Mill Double Acting Baking Powder is a leavener used for baking.
Are all brands of baking powder aluminum free? ›
Because most baking powder brands contain aluminium, without it being listed in the ingredients list – unless the baking powder is explicitly described as “aluminium free” (and that sort is difficult, if not impossible, to come by, depending on where you live).
What makes wings crispy, baking soda or powder? ›
Air-drying the wings overnight helps them crisp up faster when you bake them, which corresponds to juicier meat in the end. Baking powder adds surface area to the chicken wings, intensifying their crunch.
Come to find out, baking soda in fact DOES NOT contain aluminum. All brands are 100% sodium bicarbonate, even Arm & Hammer.
Is Magic Brand baking powder aluminum free? ›
Aluminum-Free Formula: Crafted with a commitment to quality, our baking powder is aluminum-free, guaranteeing the purest taste in your baked goods.
How long does aluminum free baking powder last? ›
Baking powder does not last forever. Because it's sensitive to moisture and humidity, it generally has a shelf life of between six months to one year.
Why do you want aluminum-free baking powder? ›
Aluminum-free baking powders work just as well as brands made with aluminum compounds. If you have a keen palate that is highly sensitive to metallic flavors or if you wish to limit your ingestion of aluminum, choose an aluminum-free powder.
Which brand of baking powder is best? ›
Trusted for decades, you can rely on the time-tested baking powder from the Rumford brand. Rumford baking powder is a balanced, double-acting baking powder, and is a gluten free product and Non-GMO Project Verified. Baking powder is a chemical leavener that is used to make batters and doughs rise.
Which baking powder is better, Clabber Girl or Rumford? ›
Clabber Girl's reaction is approximately 40% with moisture and the rest when heat is applied. Some people prefer the Rumford brand because it does not contain the acid ingredient sodium aluminum sulfate.
Why does deodorant need to be aluminum-free? ›
While there is no “direct link” between aluminum and cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, using an aluminum-free deodorant is better as you're not putting unnecessary chemicals in your body. Aluminum-free deodorants usually contain natural ingredients that are gentler on the skin.
Does aluminum-free baking powder go bad? ›
Baking powder does not last forever. Because it's sensitive to moisture and humidity, it generally has a shelf life of between six months to one year.
Are all brands of baking powder aluminum-free? ›
Because most baking powder brands contain aluminium, without it being listed in the ingredients list – unless the baking powder is explicitly described as “aluminium free” (and that sort is difficult, if not impossible, to come by, depending on where you live).
