How To Make Paleo Baking Powder

Conventional baking powder is not Paleo friendly.  So, to solve the issue, I’ve been making my own baking powder.  This super simple, 3 ingredient recipe shows how to make Paleo Baking Powder in a matter of minutes.  This recipe is grain free, gluten free, aluminum free and the perfect Paleo substitution for traditional baking powder.

Conventional Vs. Paleo Baking Powder

Conventional baking powder does not contain Paleo ingredients.  For example, many brands use ingredients like: cornstarch, sodium aluminium sulfate, monocalcium phosphate…not exactly what I’d consider healthy.  It’s fairly easy to find baking powder that is aluminum-free.  But, when looking for ones that are grain free (as in, don’t contain cornstarch) that’s when it gets tricky. 

For a baking powder to be completely Paleo friendly, it needs to be free of:

• grains (like cornstarch)
• preservatives (like aluminum)

Online, there is a small selection of Paleo friendly baking powders.  However, it’s usually more cost effective to make your own.  Not to mention, super easy!

Can Baking Soda be Used in Place of Baking Powder?

Prior to making my own baking powder, I was only using baking soda in my recipes.  But, baking powder really helps with the texture of baked goods.  So much so, that I wanted to start incorporating it back into my recipes.

If a recipe that just uses baking soda doesn’t contain enough of an acidic ingredient, then little to no reaction will occur.  This is why many Paleo recipes call for apple cider vinegar.

If you do decide to substitute, it’s important not to swap baking soda 1:1 with baking powder.  The conversion for baking soda to baking powder is: 1/4 teaspoon baking soda is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

Ingredients in Paleo Baking Powder

Only 3 simple ingredients are needed to make Paleo friendly baking powder.  These include:

• cream of tartar
• baking soda
• arrowroot flour

Why Is Cream of Tartar Necessary?

Cream of tartar is an important ingredient in this corn free baking powder recipe.  When combined with baking soda, cream of tartar becomes a leavening agent – what gives baked goods that extra rise. 

Do I Have to Use Arrowroot Flour?

This homemade baking powder recipe uses arrowroot flour, but tapioca flour works as a replacement.  Arrowroot can technically be omitted, but it improves the texture of baked goods.

How to Use Paleo Baking Powder

Paleo baking powder works just the same as any “normal” baking powder.  It can be substituted at a ratio of 1:1 for any recipe that calls for baking powder. 

Many of the recipes on my site use Paleo baking powder.  For example:

• Chocolate Zucchini Muffins with Almond Flour
• Blueberry Buckwheat Waffles
• Paleo Walnut Pancakes

Have you tried making your own baking powder?  Do you buy Paleo baking powder or just use conventional baking powder?

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