I use baking soda for a lot of things. A whole lot of things. If you have shopped for baking soda recently, you will notice a BIG price difference in brands. So what’s the difference between baking soda brands? Is there a difference? Is it worth the price? What is natural baking soda and why does it cost 4 times more?
The Price Breakdown
- The natural baking soda brand (I use this one) is about $2.50 a pound.
- The “regular” brand (you know, the one in the orange box) is about $0.60 a pound.
The natural one is FOUR TIMES more expensive. WHY?!?! Is there such a thing as “quality baking soda?”
How I Use Baking Soda
- I use the “regular,” cheap, orange box for cleaning.
- I use the natural baking soda brand for my cosmetics and baking:
Why is Natural Baking Soda More Expensive?
So what’s the difference and why the huge price difference?
First, the aluminum debate. The orange box used to have aluminum in it. They do not have aluminum anymore. Occasionally, I run across an article that says they did an independent test and it tested positive for aluminum. But overall, the consensus is that all baking soda is now aluminum free. Baking powder, on the other hand, does contain aluminum in generic brands.
But here’s the important part and why I splurge for the natural baking soda brand. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. It’s a natural occurring chemical reaction. The natural baking soda brand mines it directly from the natural source and bottles it. They don’t do anything to it, they sell the naturally occurring product.
The orange box, however, creates the sodium bicarbonate in a lab. It’s a chemical process that starts with the same raw materials (trona ore found in sandstone and shale). It’s just not the naturally occurring process. The process includes carbon dioxide and crystallization, things that happen when nature produces baking soda as well. So it isn’t necessarily bad, it’s just not, well “natural.”
So, for a couple dollars extra, I splurge for the the all natural baking soda for everything except cleaning. The other is just not the same. I can tell a difference in the texture. The orange box is a little coarser. The natural brand is smoother.
For more information, check out:
- 36 uses for baking soda from Thank Your Body
- Better than botox facial scrub from Kula Mama
If I wanted to use strawberries in a facial scrub, which medium would you suggest? The baking soda or sea salt?
Either 😉 My personal preference is baking soda. But either should work.
Jeez, stop wasting your money pointlessly when there is no benefit to buying your so-called “natural” baking soda and stop encouraging others to do the same. Jeez. Its all just sodium bicarbonate. Its origin literally has no effect on the quality of the product….
I notice a difference in my natural baking soda when I am using it in my personal care products. You are welcome to buy whatever baking soda you like 😉
The difference between baking sodas is in the manufacturing. It can either use water only or with compounds that create pollutants in the environment. I’ve been doing a lot of research lately and knowing what goes on behind the scenes is important. SO many people use the cheap baking soda for cleaning because their tub and toilet don’t know the difference but the environment that’s harmed during the manufacturing DOES. It rather defeats the purpose of being kinder if it’s still harmful. Also, Arm & Hammer is a company that believes in animal testing so I definitely wouldn’t buy their baking soda! I believe in “doing your homework” so you actually know what you’re talking about (Alexis Brazier)
There was no “encouragement” to buy a more expensive baking soda, this was just an informative article to allow you to buy based on an educated opinion. JEEZ you are not a puppet, you can choose the brands you buy. JEEZ.
😉
Thanks for the info. I , personally, am going to buy the more natural. Since it’s going on my body not sense in putting ingredients that are ‘rougher’ on skin and hair. Good job for informing us. I found it very helpful. 🙂