GlutenFreeTastyLiving : How to Substitute Baking Powder With Vitamin C Powder

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May 26, 2011 | By Sunny Griffis

How to Substitute Baking Powder With Vitamin C Powder — Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Vitamin C powder can replace baking powder in many recipes that require a leavening agent. You can add vitamin C in powder form, also referred to as ascorbic acid powder, to baking recipes or sprinkle it on food to increase the nutrient content. People with a food sensitivity to corn may also benefit from substituting vitamin C powder for baking powder because it contains cornstarch.

Step 1

Obtain vitamin C in powder form, which helps the body metabolize carbohydrates, protein and fats, from a grocery store or health food store. It's a fine powder, contains no added ingredients and is considered hypoallergenic, which means it has a decreased tendency to cause allergic reactions. Each ¼ tsp. serving of Vitamin C powder contains 1,000 mg of vitamin C, and contains no corn or genetically modified material, according to the Vitamin C Foundation.

Replace the baking powder in your recipes with a mixture of baking soda and vitamin C powder, which makes the recipe rise, and creates a light and fluffy texture. Vitamin C powder, when combined with baking soda, can effectively serve as a leaving agent in recipes including breads, crackers, tortillas and pancakes, according to "The Ultimate Food Allergy Cookbook and Survival Guide," by Nicolette M. Dumke. It boosts the vitamin C content of recipes, without altering the flavor.

Step 3

Substitute a mixture of vitamin C powder and baking soda in place of the baking powder in your recipes. Try using four parts baking soda plus one part vitamin C to create an effective substitute, recommends Dumke. Replace the baking powder in your recipes with an equivalent amount of vitamin C and baking soda mixture. For example, if your recipe calls for 2 ½ tsp. of baking powder, replace it with a mixture of 2 tsp. of baking soda and ½ tsp. of vitamin C powder.

Step 4

Avoid baking powder and replace it with the vitamin C powder and baking soda mixture if you have a food sensitivity to corn, which is a component of baking powder. This will alleviate food intolerance symptoms such as gas, bloating, stomach pain, nausea and headache, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consider the benefits vitamin C may have on your health, such as improving immune system function, treating allergies and healing burns and wounds, UMM, recommends. Vitamin C may also reduce the risk of cancer and arthritis, as well as reduce the effects of sun exposure, UMM reports.

Tips and Warnings

Certain conditions, such as AIDS, hyperthyroidism and prolonged infection, may warrant higher vitamin C intakes, and you should speak with your health care provider for proper dosing.
Exceeding the daily recommended intake, or DRI, of vitamin C, which remains at 50 to 60 mg a day, may cause side effects such as dizziness, diarrhea, headaches and stomach cramps, Drugs.com warns.