The Right Way To Store Your Baking Powder, According to an Expert

Plus, how to tell if your baking powder is still good to use.

Whether you're one of those people who only bakes for special occasions like birthdays and holidays or the sort who bakes just about daily, you probably have a stash of baking powder somewhere in your kitchen. Baking powder is a leavener that makes baked goods light and airy and helps them rise.

Unfortunately, if you use inactive baking powder—that is, baking powder that's gone bad—in a recipe, you're liable to end up with treats that are as hard and flat as hockey pucks. That's not really the look—or taste or texture—you want, especially for a special occasion.

How and where you store baking powder has a lot to do with whether it's fresh, active, and ready to use when you need it. So avoid baking disasters by storing your baking powder properly. Here's how. 

The Correct Way To Store Baking Powder

The best place to store baking powder so that it keeps fresh and active as long as possible is in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight, oven, and stove, and preferably at a stable temperature (about 70°F), says Penny Stankiewicz, a chef-instructor of the Art of Cake Decorating at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.

Fortunately, most baking powder is sold in an airtight container and you can keep it there—no need to transfer it to another container. If you have a pantry, this is a good spot to keep baking powder. 

Read More: The Difference Between Baking Powder and Baking Soda

Why You Shouldn't Store Baking Powder in the Refrigerator

"​It’s better to keep baking powder at cool room temperature rather than in the fridge," says Chef Stankiewicz. "The powder can pick up humidity from the refrigerator, as well as unwanted food aromas."

Just think about the fact that people use baking soda to intentionally absorb moisture and odors—baking powder does the same thing. Unless you want it damp, smelly, and possibly inactive, keep your baking powder out of the fridge. 

Can You Store Baking Powder in the Freezer?

"If trying to store baking powder a bit longer, you could put the covered container in another air-tight container and freeze it," says Stankiewicz. "This can help extend the shelf life."

This is because the freezer tends to be a dryer environment than the refrigerator, she explains. "But buying in small amounts, and using it, is the best approach," she adds. 

How Long Does Baking Powder Last? 

Baking powder should be used within six to 18 months of the date of purchase if it's unopened and within three to six months once opened, according to the USDA's FoodKeeper App.

While it's technically safe to use baking powder past its expiration date, Stankiewicz doesn't recommend it. "​The best practice is to purchase small amounts that you’ll use within a few months," she says. "I would not trust my special cake to baking powder on the edge of an expiration date. It will lose some of its ability to raise your baked goods as it ages." 

How To Tell if Baking Powder Is Still Good

If you're unsure of how old your baking powder is or if it's past the expiration date and you don't have time to run to the store, you can easily test it to see if it's still active.

"Baking powder is activated by liquid and by heat," says Stankiewicz. "You can test its freshness, or leavening power, by putting some in a bowl and pouring hot water over it. If it bubbles up, it’s good to use, but if there is low to no bubble activity, it’s best to purchase a fresh can." 

The Takeaway 

Keep your baking powder in a tightly sealed container in a dry place away from light and heat to extend its shelf life. Try to use it up within three to six months of opening it, and when in doubt, test it by adding hot water to a small amount of baking powder in a bowl. If it bubbles up, it should be good to go for whatever fabulous baking project you have in mind.