Looking for baking powder without aluminum? I’ve got you covered with this super simple aluminum-free baking powder recipe. It also happens to be a corn-free baking powder so if you’re on a corn-free diet, it will work great for you as well!
If you’re concerned about aluminum in baking powder, you’re not alone.
While there has not been a definitive connection between aluminum in foods like baking powder and Alzheimer’s, many people are still looking to avoid aluminum in their foods, personal care products, and more.
Why Is There Aluminum in Baking Powder?
Some baking powders are made with an aluminum-based salt–sodium aluminum sulfate or sodium aluminum phosphate. These substances become acidic when heated.
Baking soda is basic and it reacts with an acid to make baked goods rise. So these aluminum salts are part of what makes your baking powder containing baked goods rise.
As I mentioned, it’s been debated whether or not this form of aluminum contributes to such diseases as Alzheimer’s, etc., but regardless, many people wish to avoid this ingredient.
Interestingly, some people claim that baking powder that contains sodium aluminum sulfate can result in baked goods having a metallic taste, however from my research, that doesn’t seem to be the case–they appear to be either tasting some kind of residue from their baking pan or what they are tasting is the result of too much baking soda.
What Is Aluminum-free Baking Powder?
Aluminum-free baking powder is simply a baking powder that doesn’t contain sodium aluminum sulfate or any other aluminum-containing ingredient.
Does Baking Soda Contain Aluminum?
This is a very interesting question and one that needs to be addressed.
Contrary to some sources, baking soda does not contain aluminum, so if you see a product labeled “aluminum-free baking soda”, that is either a marketing ploy, or an uninformed company.
Corn-free Baking Powder
Not only is this homemade baking powder an aluminum-free baking powder, but it’s also a corn-free baking powder. Most baking powder is made with cornstarch, but this one is not–making it a corn-free baking powder recipe.
As such, it’s perfect for those avoiding corn as well as those on a grain-free diet.
In fact, as it turns out, this recipe works for many special diets. It’s not only corn-free, but it also works for the paleo, AIP, and grain-free diets.
Why Make Your Own Aluminum-Free Baking Powder?
- Corn Allergies – almost all baking powder is made with cornstarch
- Avoiding GMOs – most baking powders are made with GMO corn
- Avoiding Additives – as mentioned above, many baking powders contain sodium aluminum sulfate, which some people wish to avoid
- You Ran Out of Baking Powder – having a DIY option for making staples such as baking powder is a huge help for those moments when you run out of an ingredient unexpectedly
- You Are On a Special Diet – This Homemade Baking Powder is whole30, paleo, AIP (autoimmune paleo), gluten-free, THM, and more
Recipe Substitutions
- Alternative Starches: If need be, you can use organic tapioca flour / starch instead of arrowroot, or, if you are not avoiding corn, organic cornstarch may also be substituted.
Other Homemade Pantry Staples to Try:
– Best Healthier Cinnamon Sugar (3 Ways) – get 3 great recipes for the all time favorite sugary blend, and see which one we liked best! Plus they can all be made sugar-free!
– Vegetable Broth Mix | All Purpose Seasoning – this mix is sure to be a huge favorite in your home. It tastes great on EVERYTHING!
– Homemade Vanilla Liquid Stevia – save loads of money by making this yourself–it’s so easy!
– Homemade Rice Milk – you won’t believe how easy it is to make your own dairy-free milk. Save money and it’s better for the environment too!
– Powdered Egg Replacer (like Ener-G) – whether you’re avoiding eggs or happened to just run out, this is a great substitute for all your egg-free baking!
– Easiest Coconut Milk – we make this several times each and every week. It’s a super frugal and convenient dairy-free beverage option that works for almost any application.
Recipe Substitutions for Homemade Baking Powder
- You can use organic tapioca flour / starch instead of arrowroot, or, if you are not avoiding corn, organic cornstarch may be substituted.
Don’t Feel Like DIYing?
Sometimes, you just don’t want to make something. If that’s your situation, this baking powder is a great aluminum-free option, but keep in mind that it does contain non-GMO corn.
Aluminum-free Baking Powder (grain free, paleo)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup cream of tartar
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a small bowl. Blend with a whisk to mix well.
- Store in a tightly-closed container to prevent moisture from entering and causing the ingredients to begin to react.
- Use as you would regular baking powder.
Notes
- This recipe can easily be doubled or made in whatever quantity you like.
- Alternative Starches: If desired, you can use organic tapioca flour / starch instead of arrowroot, or, if you are not avoiding corn, organic cornstarch may also be substituted.
I’d love to hear how this baking powder works for you!
(Note: This recipe was originally published in 2011. It was republished with new images and new helpful information. For reference, following is an image from an earlier edition of the post.)
Help! Some homemade recipes only call for baking soda & cream of tartar. Others, like yours, add a starch. Doesn’t the addition of a starch decrease the “rising” power? I would think I’d have to add more of the starch mix to achieve the same result of the mixture without it.
I’m new to your site, so I’m enjoying perusing the recipes.
Thanks very much!
Hi there! Good question! Technically the starch is just for bulking so you would have to adjust the amount you use. Most baking powder on the market has starch hence any equivalent replacement should have it as well if you are going to measure the same way. Hope that helps!
Thank you so much!!! Cant wait to try it.
Hope it works well for you!
Feel like a real pastry chef at home.
You are! 🙂