Janny willaf Need a baking soda substitute for a recipe? Here’s what to do in a pinch. Read the full process of how to ---- substitute baking soda. Credit: seng kui Lim / Getty Images No baking soda? No problem. You probably already have a baking soda substitute in your pantry. Here's everything you need to know about replacing baking soda in a recipe: What Does Baking Soda Do? Eskay Lim / EyeEm / Getty Images Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a chemical leavener, which means it's something you use in baked goods to make them rise. So how does it work? Let's take it back to high school chemistry: Since baking soda is a base, it's activated when combined with an acid. You'll notice that most recipes that call for baking soda also call for one or more acidic ingredients (like buttermilk , lemon juice, or sugar). The chemical reaction that comes from this activation creates carbon dioxide, which causes the dough or batter to rise. What's the Diffe...