Aluminum-free Baking Powder–grain free, corn free, AIP
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Looking for a great baking powder substitute or 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.
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Why Make Your Own Baking Powder?
- Corn Allergies – almost all baking powder is made with cornstarch
- Avoiding GMOs – most baking powders are made with GMO corn
- Avoiding Additives – 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’re On a Special Diet – This Homemade Baking Powder is whole30, paleo, AIP (autoimmune paleo), gluten-free, THM, 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.
So this 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?
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.
Why 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.
So it’s perfect for those avoiding corn due to allergies or intolerances, as well as those on a grain-free diet.
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 Is There Arrowroot in This Baking Powder Recipe?
Arrowroot helps absorb moisture and as such will extend the shelf life of the product. So you can make a larger batch and keep your baking powder longer.
If you plan on making smaller batches and using this homemade paleo baking powder up quickly, then you can eliminate the arrowroot or other starches.
Another option, if you’d like to make a larger batch but still address the moisture problem, is to add silica packs to the baking powder after putting it in a container.
Keto Baking Powder Option
To make this baking powder starch-free and completely keto, just omit the starch. The recipe will likely not keep as long but it will work in recipes.
Recipe Notes and 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 is another option.
- Starch-free Recipe: If you can’t have any starches, you can use this recipe without it. As mentioned above, the starch primarily helps to keep the other ingredients from reacting and so it prolongs the life of the baking powder.
More Homemade Pantry Staples
- Best Healthier Cinnamon Sugar (3 Ways) – get 3 great recipes for the all time favorite sugary blend, and see which one we liked best! (all sugar-free)
- Vegetable Broth Mix | All Purpose Seasoning – sure to be a huge favorite in your home–tastes great on EVERYTHING!
- Homemade Vanilla Liquid Stevia – save loads of money by making this yourself.
- Homemade Rice Milk – you won’t believe how easy it is to make your own dairy-free milk.
- 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.
- Vanilla Extract Substitutes – not a pantry basic you can make, but these 23 substitutes are at-the-ready pantry alternatives you can use anytime!
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.
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is merely an approximation. Optional ingredients are not included and when there is an alternative, the primary ingredient is typically used. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts since they have been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
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 it does contain non-GMO corn.
I’d love to hear how this 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.)
Love this idea but baking soda is a corn product too! :0)
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate – NaCO3. It is not from corn. Can you tell me where you got that information from?
We do this with just cream of tartar and baking soda, and it woks great! 2:1 ratio. Darn corn!
Nice!
Amazing! We used essential oil and love baking with them because of my health. I need to do this testing you are talking about but I know I am doing wheat, corn, and sugar sensitive. I am ok with coconut sugar and honey but it makes eating anything made hard to eat. We look at ingredient ladles for everything but had not for baking powder. Looked the other day and saw corn starch! What! You know you are the only one on the Internet that has this recipe! You are amazing! Thank you!
You are so welcome!
can I make this with only half of the ingredients? thank u
Yes, you can.
I tried this in a pancake recipe. The pancakes tasted ok, but not very fluffy. I was wondering if I needed to add a different amount than what was asked for in the recipe to work better.
Hi there. I’m sorry it didn’t meet your expectations. I actually haven’t used this is quite awhile as I have been doing less baking and using fewer grains. Anyhow, even moreso I haven’t used conventional baking powder in a very very long time. I have never done a side by side comparison so I’m sorry but I’m not sure what to say about it. I haven’t noticed anything different. Is this a recipe you have made before?
Oh, my word! Make it in bulk, with a decent filler!!! Why didn’t I think of that! 🙂
I’ve made some things in bulk for years. I’ve known that you could make baking powder for years. I just haven’t done it because it’s extra steps and the total amount doesn’t come out the same. But your idea is great and I will definitely do it soon.
Thank you!
You are so welcome! Enjoy and thanks for reading!
Thank you very much! I’m extremely allergic to corn so I know what it’s like to try shopping for common food because it seems as if everything has corn in it! I’ll try this immediately!
You are so welcome!! I know – corn is EVERYWHERE!!
Could you tell me which company did your iGg and if you think it was accurate? I’m considering getting one for a child who can’t tell me how they feel after they eat foods. Thanks!
I don’t recall the company and I am not sure what to think about IgG testing. I have heard good things about Cyrex labs and Alcat. I haven’t done either of those.
Hi, Gail, Don’t know if you have pursued this testing or not, but I would highly recommend testing with the MRT test going through LEAP diet therapy with a qualified CLT (Certified LEAP therapist). The Mediator Release Test tests for 150 different foods and food chemicals and is superior to the IgG test alone as it tests for all mediators that are released and can cause inflammation. The LEAP diet therapy with a Registered Dietitian is an essential component of the therapy. LEAP diet therapy focuses upon which foods are actually “safe”/calming for the child’s immune system and includes only those foods in the first few weeks of the diet plan. (If you include foods in the diet that are not actually tested then you never know how your child will respond.) We have done MRT testing and LEAP diet therapy with my preschool aged son and I am extremely pleased with the results! He is much calmer, no more meltdowns, better sleep, better poop, and improved eczema! (And that is just in the first 8 days of therapy!) (By the way, he was reactive to corn and tapioca/arrowroot.) Still on a search for a great baking powder substitute!! ) If you need help finding a dietitian in your area please let me know!
I can’t thank you enough for this baking powder without corn starch recipe, as well as all the valuable info and creative food treat ideas from other contributors! ??????
So glad – you are welcome!
Was wanting to know what the shelf life is.
It would be the same as the components that you use.
Thank you! We just found out my son is allergic to corn (along with many other things…) and can not believe how many things corn is in. This journey has been very tedious, but eye-opening as well. Thank you again for sharing the recipe 🙂
So glad this is of help!! I can’t really handle much corn now either. It’s tough!
Does this recipe create double acting baking powder?
No, it doesn’t.
Good news, this actually does act as a double acting baking powder due to the ratios of cream of tartar to baking soda. It will release CO2 at room temp and again in the oven above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. 🙂
Thanks so much for this! Just found out my daughter’s eczema is triggered by corn and eggs and was so amazed at the number of things that contain corn!
Wonderful!!! You are so welcome. Yes, almost everything has corn in it!! Almost all of my recipes should work for you :).
Just have to throw this out there because it was truly inspiration! Everyone but my husband is sensitive to corn. I was feeling bad when our first daughter was little thinking about all the things she would never enjoy and popcorn was right up there. Then the inspiration came like I often have when pondering food difficulties. Rice cakes! We break up rice cakes into popcorn size pieces into a pan. drizzle with olive oil, coconut, or whatever oil you like. or none. Heat up slightly and the turn off burner and cover with lid for a few minutes. It’s warm like popcorn with out the kernel. add salt if you want. It’s amazing! Hope someone else can enjoy it!
What a fun idea!!!! Thanks for that.
Oh, YES! I discovered I’m allergic to corn earlier this year. Sudden development, as food allergies can happen. IgE testing – and yup, there it is, the reason I’d been so sick! So, corn free it is. Lots of homemade, made from scratch alternatives happening in this house. And this will help! Thank you!
Yea! You are welcome!
Just have to throw this out there because it was truly inspiration! Everyone but my husband is sensitive to corn. I was feeling bad when our first daughter was little thinking about all the things she would never enjoy and popcorn was right up there. Then the inspiration came like I often have when pondering food difficulties. Rice cakes! We break up rice cakes into popcorn size pieces into a pan. drizzle with olive oil, coconut, or whatever oil you like. or none. Heat up slightly and the turn off burner and cover with lid for a few minutes. It’s warm like popcorn with out the kernel. add salt if you want. It’s amazing! Hope someone else can enjoy it!
Thanks again – this is wonderful!
Hi. I recently had a IgG test and I am sensitive to both corn and arrowroot powder. What can I use in place of the arrowroot? All of this is so new to me and I don’t know what I will do about food. Corn is in everything and my test also indicated sensitivy to black pepper so I think I will be making EVERYTHING from scratch. Thank you.
I would possibly try any starch – tapioca would be the most likely good candida. Potato is a little heavier. You can do it – we make everything from scratch. And perhaps you can heal as well. Maybe check out the GAPS diet, etc.?
Rumford is no longer GMO free. Their labels state that their product contains GM corn starch.
Hi there. Sorry I didn’t reply earlier. I was trying to do research and then got tied up in other things. This says they use non GMO. Can you clarify please? https://www.clabbergirl.com/Brands/Rumford
I have been using cream of tartar, baking soda, and arrowroot for over a year, ever since I found out I was allergic to corn and cane sugar, mostly in homemade bread. thank you for the recipe. the recipe will help when I am converting a recipe.
You are so welcome! I have to make more of this myself soon as well. No more corn here…..
Hi Adrienne!
I am going to make this for sure! But I am curious about the cream of tartar; should it be organic? I don’t actually know what cream of tartar is…
I don’t think I’ve seen it organic :). It’s an acid to help w/ rising.
Baking soda and squeezed lime juice will do he same effect. My mom used to bake cakes and this is all she used. Works perfect!
does this mean if a recipe calls for baking powder, your mom used baking soda and lime juice? If yes, would you share the conversion or ratio?
how can i add 1/2 cup of cream of tarter if it only comes in 1oz containers?
I buy my C of T in bulk. Here’s one place to do it. I will put a link in the recipe – thanks :). https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001M0YK8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0001M0YK8&linkCode=as2&tag=whnemo-20 (affiliate link)
how can i use 1/2cp of cream of tarter if it only comes in 1oz containers?
I buy this kind: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001M0YK8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0001M0YK8&linkCode=as2&tag=whnemo-20&linkId=ZJHEHPQW2QET2XRB (well, I think I bought mine at penzeys but this is what I will get next time.) sorry so late. I am buried and just found this.
On the spice isle there are 3.52 oz bottles of cream of tartar. This equals more than 1/2 cup. Even Whole Foods in house brand, 365, makes one. Any chain grocery store will have some version on the spice isle. I’m sure larger, more cost effective options are on Amazon.
Most natural health food stores carry in bulk. I buy all spices here as fresher and lots cheaper than any grocery store
I have been reading all of your great posts for the last month, with all of your great energy and people sharing ways they do things. It’s all fantastic. This weekend my 5 year old asked me, “mommy, if it’s bad for us, why would they make it?” – how does a parent answer that? We are the only mammal on the earth that purposely makes food and products that can harm our own kind. I am just wondering, if everyone on this site, and similar sites, banned together, would it not be enough to get the food co’s and farmers to do the RIGHT THING? We really all have to resort to being experts at making every. single. thing. ourselves??
You are all great at it, I can tell from the posts. But, just why should we have to? : / Shouldn’t we rally? Or has everyone just given up on that?
Good point. We are smart but with our intelligence we are killing ourselves. Or maybe it’s with our stupidity. I think give up is quite what is going on. On multiple levels.