The conversation between human and AI assistant.
Is eating soda the same as baking soda?
Ah, I see. So, what exactly is the difference between baking soda and baking powder?
Baking powder is a mixture of baking soda, cream of tartar, and sometimes cornstarch. It is a complete leavening agent and does not require an acid to activate it, unlike baking soda, which relies on an acid like lemon juice or vinegar. In general, baking powder is used in recipes that already contain an acid, such as buttermilk or yogurt. Baking soda, on the other hand, is used in recipes that require an acidic ingredient to react with it, like chocolate or cocoa powder.