Quick Answers
Most major brands of baking powder are gluten-free, including:
- Arm & Hammer
- Bobs Red Mill
- Rumford
- Clabber Girl
- Calumet
- Davis
- Hansen’s
- Argo
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods 365
Gluten-free baking powders do not contain any wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing ingredients. They are generally made from a blend of baking soda, cream of tartar, cornstarch and potato starch. Always check the ingredients list on the label to confirm the product is gluten-free.
What is Baking Powder?
Baking powder is a leavening agent used in baked goods to help them rise. It produces carbon dioxide bubbles when it comes into contact with moisture and heat, causing baked goods to expand in volume and become light and airy.
The main ingredients in baking powder are:
- Baking soda – also called sodium bicarbonate, this provides the major leavening action.
- Acid – an acid is needed to activate the baking soda. Common acids used include cream of tartar, sodium aluminum sulfate, calcium acid phosphate and sodium acid pyrophosphate.
- Filler – this is an inert, edible ingredient like cornstarch or potato starch that keeps the baking soda and acid dry and stable.
When baking powder is mixed into a dough or batter and exposed to heat and moisture, the acid reacts with the baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas. The gas gets trapped as air bubbles, causing the baked good to rise.
Why Choose a Gluten-Free Baking Powder?
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is important to use a gluten-free baking powder to avoid any adverse reactions. Consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune response in those with celiac disease that damages the small intestine. Even small amounts of gluten can cause issues.
Many traditional baking powders contain wheat starch as the filler ingredient. Wheat contains gluten, so these baking powders are not safe for gluten-free diets.
Thankfully, there are many easy-to-find brands of baking powder that do not contain any gluten ingredients. Choosing a gluten-free baking powder ensures your baked goods will be safe for those with celiac or gluten intolerance.
Major Brands of Gluten-Free Baking Powders
Here is a detailed overview of some of the major national brands of baking powder that are labeled gluten-free:
Arm & Hammer Gluten Free Baking Powder
- Made without gluten, wheat, dairy, or soy
- Uses potato starch instead of wheat starch as the filler ingredient
- Double acting baking powder
- Trusted national brand carried in most grocery stores
Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Baking Powder
- Uses tapioca flour instead of wheat flour as the filler
- Activated by both heat and acid to help baked goods rise properly
- Baking soda sourced from natural minerals, not synthetically made
- Bob’s Red Mill specializes in gluten-free flours and baking mixes
Rumford Gluten-Free Baking Powder
- Provides superior leavening with 20% more baking soda
- Uses non-GMO cornstarch as the filler ingredient
- Free of additives and preservatives
- Double acting powder activates quickly
Clabber Girl Gluten Free Baking Powder
- Trusted baking powder brand that’s been around since 1899
- Uses tapioca starch instead of wheat starch
- Does not contain aluminum salts
- Available online and in most grocery stores nationally
Calumet Double Acting Baking Powder
- Contains no gluten, wheat, dairy or soy
- Made with non-GMO cornstarch
- Trusted brand used by professional chefs and bakers
- Actives with both wet and dry ingredients for superior leavening
Davis Baking Powder
- Uses modified tapioca starch as the filler
- Double acting formula
- Aluminum-free
- Brand commonly found in grocery stores nationwide
Hansen’s Gluten-Free Baking Powder
- Contains only 4 ingredients – baking soda, sodium aluminum sulfate, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and tapioca starch
- Trusted gluten-free brand carried in health food stores
- Validated to contain less than 5 PPM gluten
- Bakes light and fluffy baked goods
Argo Baking Powder
- Uses non-GMO cornstarch instead of wheat starch
- Activated by both liquid and heat
- Economical baking powder sold in bulk sizes
- Brand commonly found at wholesale clubs and Amazon
Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Baking Powder
- Affordable price from the popular Trader Joe’s brand
- Contains potato starch instead of wheat starch
- Free of artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Can be ordered online if you don’t live near a Trader Joe’s store
Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Gluten Free Baking Powder
- Whole Foods’ affordable everyday value brand
- Uses tapioca starch instead of wheat starch
- Certified gluten-free
- Sold at Whole Foods Markets nationwide
How to Confirm a Baking Powder is Gluten-Free
With so many brands of baking powder on the market, here are some tips for confirming if a particular one is gluten-free:
- Check the ingredients list – it should not contain any wheat, barley, rye or malt ingredients
- Look for a “gluten-free” label on the packaging
- Contact the manufacturer directly if you are unsure about the ingredients
- Seek out brands that specifically advertise themselves as “gluten-free”
- Opt for brands that use alternative starches like potato, tapioca or cornstarch instead of wheat
- Purchase baking powders sold at health food stores or specialty gluten-free sections, as these tend to be gluten-free
- Avoid generic or store brands, as they may contain hidden gluten from cross-contamination
The top brands highlighted earlier in this article have all been confirmed to be gluten-free based on their ingredients and manufacturing processes. Purchasing a reputable national brand is a safer option than a generic or lesser-known brand.
Gluten-Free Substitutes for Baking Powder
In a pinch, there are a couple substitutions that can be used to mimic baking powder if you don’t have access to a gluten-free variety:
Baking Soda & Cream of Tartar
Use a mixture of 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar for every teaspoon of baking powder in the recipe. The acid in the cream of tartar will activate the baking soda, resulting in leavening similar to baking powder.
Homemade Baking Powder
Make your own gluten-free baking powder by mixing these ingredients:
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
Store the homemade powder in an airtight container. Use as you would traditional baking powder by substituting an equal amount.
Active Dry Yeast
For baking recipes like pancakes, waffles and some muffins and cakes, you can use about 20% more active dry yeast in place of the baking powder (so 1 teaspoon yeast for every 1 1/4 tsp baking powder). The yeast needs to proof and become active in order to leaven the same as baking powder.
Whipped Egg Whites
Using whipped egg whites is another way to add lift and lightness to baked goods without baking powder. Whip the whites until they form stiff peaks then gently fold into the batter at the end. Take care not to overmix or you will deflate the whites.
Gluten-Free Brands of Baking Powder
Here is a table summarizing some of the top gluten-free brands of baking powder:
| Brand | Filler Ingredient | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Arm & Hammer | Potato starch | Grocery stores |
| Bob’s Red Mill | Tapioca flour | Grocery and health food stores |
| Rumford | Cornstarch | Online and grocery stores |
| Clabber Girl | Tapioca starch | Grocery stores |
| Calumet | Cornstarch | Grocery and online stores |
| Davis | Tapioca starch | Grocery stores |
| Hansen’s | Tapioca starch | Natural food stores |
| 365 Everyday Value | Tapioca starch | Whole Foods Markets |
| Trader Joe’s | Potato starch | Trader Joe’s stores |
Tips for Using Gluten-Free Baking Powder
Here are some pointers for successfully using gluten-free baking powder:
- Measure precisely using measuring spoons or a kitchen scale for best results.
- Use based on manufacturer’s recommended amount, which may differ between brands.
- Store baking powder in a sealed container in a cool, dry place to maximize its shelf life.
- Avoid old cans that have been open for over 6 months.
- Sift together with dry ingredients when baking to evenly incorporate and activate.
- Avoid overmixing once baking powder is added to batter.
- Let batters rest for a few minutes after mixing to allow baking powder time to react.
- Bake goods immediately after combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Adjust oven temperature, pans or recipes if baked goods don’t rise sufficiently.
- Substitute for baking soda in a 1:4 ratio if a recipe calls for it.
With the right gluten-free baking powder and proper handling, you can make virtually any baked good imaginable that’s safe for those with gluten sensitivities!
Conclusion
Finding a gluten-free baking powder is a simple way to open up your baking recipes to those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Thankfully, most major baking powder brands are formulated without wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients.
Arm & Hammer, Bob’s Red Mill, Rumford, Clabber Girl, Calumet and other leading baking powder companies provide gluten-free options made with alternative starches like potato, tapioca and cornstarch instead of wheat. Always check the label to verify the ingredients.
Look for reputable brands sold at grocery and health food stores, or order online if needed. With some gluten-free baking powder in your pantry, you will be ready to whip up gluten-free cakes, pancakes, quick breads and more for your family and friends with food sensitivities.
