How Much Does Baking Powder Cost?

Last Updated on February 16, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Baking powder is a staple ingredient for bakers, helping give baked goods rise and lift. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which baking powder to buy and what price to pay?

This article will break down the average cost of baking powder, factors that impact the price, and tips for getting the best deal on this essential baking item. After reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for when shopping for baking powder.

How Much Does Baking Powder Cost?

Baking powder prices can range quite a bit, typically falling between $2 to $8 per pound. The actual cost depends on the brand, where you shop, if you buy in bulk, any applicable sales or coupons, and other factors.

Generally speaking, you can expect to spend around $3 to $5 per pound for a standard brand of baking powder at the grocery store.

What makes the price vary? Here are some of the key factors:

• Brand – Well-known brands like Clabber Girl and Rumford often cost more than generic store brands.
• Quality – Aluminum-free and double-acting baking powders tend to be priced higher.
• Organic – Organic baking powders usually cost more than conventional options.
• Package Size – Buying in bulk sizes (1 lb or more) is cheaper per ounce than small cans.
• Store – Warehouse and big box stores tend to have lower prices than traditional supermarkets.
• Sales/Deals – Watch for coupons, promotions, and sales to get baking powder at a discount.

The bottom line? Expect to spend around $3 to $5 per pound for a standard, middle-of-the-road baking powder at the grocery store. But with smart shopping, you can likely find it for less!

Baking Powder Brands and Prices

With an overview of typical baking powder costs, let’s look at some popular brands and their standard prices at grocery and online stores.

• Clabber Girl – One of the most popular brands, Clabber Girl costs about $4 per pound at stores like Walmart and Target.
• Rumford – Another trusted brand, Rumford baking powder runs about $5 per pound at grocery chains.
• Bob’s Red Mill – A premium option, Bob’s Red Mill costs around $7 per pound at stores like Whole Foods or online.
• Gold Medal – As a mid-range brand, Gold Medal is usually $3 to $4 per pound at stores nationwide.
• Store/Generic Brands – Basic store brands like Kroger and Safeway cost $2 to $3 per pound for budget buyers.
• King Arthur – The King Arthur brand is about $6 per pound when buying directly from their site.

Keep in mind baking powder prices are always fluctuating a bit based on promotions, sales, and location. But this gives a general idea of what to expect from national brands.

Overall, you tend to get what you pay for – higher quality baking powders cost more, while very cheap options may not perform as well. Consider paying a little extra for aluminum-free, gluten-free, or organic powders if those features are important to you.

Where to Buy Baking Powder

The store where you purchase baking powder can impact the price. Here are some of the best options for finding deals:

• Amazon – Offers a wide selection with competitive prices, discounts, and fast shipping.
• Walmart – Frequently has low prices and sales on popular baking powder brands.
• Dollar Stores – For serious budget buyers, dollar stores often sell smaller cans for $1 or less.
• Big Box Stores – Check Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s for baking powder savings when buying large quantities.
• Online Stores – Sites like Vitacost, WebstaurantStore, and Bake It Pretty offer bulk sizes for lower per-ounce costs.
• Warehouse Stores – Stores like Restaurant Depot and Gordon Food Service provide bulk options geared for bakeries.
• Drugstores – Check Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens for coupons and promotions on baking powder.
• Organic/Health Stores – Try Sprouts, Whole Foods for organic, non-GMO, and aluminum-free varieties.

Shop around, compare prices, and buy baking powder when it’s on sale for the best deal. Stores regularly run promotions on baking essentials, so take advantage!

Buying Baking Powder in Bulk

For big savings, consider purchasing baking powder in bulk sizes of 1 pound, 5 pounds, or even 25 pounds. This is perfect for avid bakers, food bloggers, bakeries, and restaurants.

Benefits of buying baking powder in bulk:

• Save significantly per ounce/pound compared to small cans
• Convenient to buy a large supply at once
• Often find bulk options at warehouse and restaurant stores
• Baking powder has a long shelf life of 12-18 months

What to look out for:

• Requires more storage space for large containers
• Only recommended if baking frequently
• Must check the expiration date and write on the container
• May get the best price on smaller sizes when on sale

For home bakers, a 1-pound or 5-pound size is likely sufficient. Buying 5 pounds upfront rather than five 1-pound cans can save $5 to $10. For commercial use, 25-pound bags are common. When exploring bulk sizes, compare per ounce/pound prices to find the real deal. And only buy an amount you can use before expiration.

You might also like our articles about the cost of potatoes, heavy cream, or fried chicken.

Economical Baking Tips

Get the most from your baking powder purchase with these money-saving tips:

• Use coupons, rebates, rewards programs, and apps to save on groceries.
• Check weekly ads and plan baking projects around sales.
• Look on the top and bottom shelves for better deals than eye-level spots.
• Buy generic or store brands when possible.
• Search online for baking powder coupons and print for use in-store.
• Only buy aluminum-free baking powder to avoid ingesting aluminum.
• Skip the pre-sifted premium baking powders for cost savings.
• Purchase larger sizes and containers for a lower per-ounce price.
• Buy baking powder in bulk quantities with friends or family and split.
• Properly store baking powder in a cool, dry place to preserve freshness and shelf life.

Final Words

Finding the best deal on baking powder comes down to smart shopping. Look for coupons and promotions, buy store brands when possible, and purchase in bulk for the biggest savings.

Overall, expect to spend around $3 to $5 per pound for standard baking powder. High-quality brands like Clabber Girl and Rumford are in the $4 to $6 range, and premium brands are closer in the $6 to $8 range.

Check warehouse stores, dollar stores, online shops, and organic markets for even lower prices. And be sure to compare the cost per ounce when choosing sizes. Now that you know what to look for in terms of price, you can shop confidently for this baking essential. Happy and affordable baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many grams is 1 tsp of baking powder?

One teaspoon of baking powder is approximately 4 grams. Since baking recipes often call for baking powder in teaspoons, this conversion is useful to know.

To be more precise, 1 tsp of baking powder is equal to 3.7 grams. However, rounding to 4 grams per teaspoon (1 tsp = 4g) makes the math easy.

So if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of baking powder, that would equate to about 12 grams since 3 teaspoons make up 1 tablespoon.

When measuring out baking powder for recipes, you can use measuring spoons for teaspoons/tablespoons. Or a kitchen scale for precise gram measurements. Knowing approximately 4 grams per 1 tsp is an easy guide.

Is it cheaper to make your own baking powder?

Making your own baking powder can save money, but has some downsides. Homemade baking powder combines baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch.

Potential cost savings:

• Baking soda and cream of tartar can be cheaper bought in bulk.
• Avoid added costs of pre-mixed commercial brands.
• Can customize the recipe.

Downsides of homemade baking powder:

• More time-consuming to make yourself.
• Hard to find the expiration date and calculate shelf life.
• Storage space is needed for multiple ingredients.
• Needs to be mixed well and doesn’t lump.
• May not perform as reliably as commercial powder.

The verdict: Making your own baking powder can potentially save a couple dollars per pound if buying base ingredients in bulk. But for convenience and reliability, most home bakers opt for store-bought powders like Clabber Girl or Rumford. Watch for sales and coupons to get good deals on commercial brands instead.

Is it OK if I don’t use baking powder?

You should not bake without baking powder if the recipe calls for it. Baking powder serves an important purpose.

Here’s why baking powder matters:

• Causes baked goods to rise with air bubbles. Provides lift and volume.
• Contributes to light, fluffy texture in cakes, muffins, biscuits, etc.
• Works with baking soda for optimal leavening effects.

What happens without baking powder:

• Baked goods won’t rise properly or hold shape.
• You’ll end up with flatter, denser results.
• Texture will be tough, hard, and unappealing.

Alternatives:

• Baking soda alone can work if the recipe is designed for it.
• Yeast can help the dough rise without baking powder.
• Quick breads use other leaveners like eggs or steam from fruits.

So what does this mean? – only omit baking powder if the recipe instructs you to. For most baked goods, baking powder is essential, so be sure to have it on hand!