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What is the Difference Between Baking Soda and Sodium?

What is the Difference Between Baking Soda and Sodium?

Baking... Like us, you must be ecstatic about the many uses of this magic powder :-)

Baking soda is 100% eco-friendly, inexpensive, biodegradable, non-toxic, non-flammable that has been around since ancient times.

Normal that it is one of the key ingredients of our tips!

But, did you notice that this miracle product has several names?

"Bicarbonate", "baking soda", "sodium bicarbonate", "food bicarbonate", "Vichy salt", "little cow" in Canada, etc.

Fortunately, here is the difference between all these names:

What is the Difference Between Baking Soda and Sodium?

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate?

The 3 most common names for bicarbonate are:

- “baking soda »,

- “sodium bicarbonate »,

- and, quite simply, “bicarbonate .

So, what is the difference between these designations?

IT'S THE SAME. There are none!

Whether "bicarbonate of soda" or "bicarbonate of sodium", these 2 names refer to the same product!

In addition, you should know that these names are totally trivial.

Because the real name of bicarbonate is "sodium hydrogen carbonate" . But hey, it's a bit long as a name.

And for the real fanatics of various names, know that the Latin name for bicarbonate is Natrii hydrogenocarbonas .

A little last? In the food industry, its code is "E500 .

The different types of bicarbonate

“Baking soda”, “sodium bicarbonate”:same fight! That's established. But...

... but on the other hand, there are different types bicarbonate.

Their main difference is in the purity of the bicarbonate. It is precisely the level of purity that will determine the use of the product.

Here are the 3 main types of bicarbonate:

1. Baking soda "food"

What is the Difference Between Baking Soda and Sodium?

It is the most easily found bicarbonate. If you buy it at the supermarket, it is more than likely that it is baking soda. Look at the box, normally it's written on it.

Baking soda has several advantages:

- It is inexpensive. It is an excellent replacement for expensive cleaning products.

- It is versatile. It is of great use for several household tasks (cleaning, DIY, pets, etc.).

- It can be consumed without contraindication. This means that you can cook with it (in the cooking water, for example), and that you can also use it for your beauty and health care.

2. “Technical” baking soda

What is the Difference Between Baking Soda and Sodium?

"Technical bicarbonate" or "bicarbonate for technical use" has a lower purity than food bicarbonate.

Warning :this household bicarbonate is unfit for human consumption! Therefore, do not use it for the preparation of dishes or for beauty and health care.

Its usefulness must be strictly limited to household chores. And again, it is advisable to wear rubber gloves to avoid skin irritation.

Most often, it is the bicarbonate found in DIY stores. More abrasive than baking soda, technical baking soda can be used for household chores, gardening, and DIY.

3. "Pharmaceutical" bicarbonate

What is the Difference Between Baking Soda and Sodium?

"Pharmaceutical bicarbonate" is the purest of the bicarbonates (and therefore the most expensive).

It is used exclusively for medical purposes — that is why it is only available in pharmacies.

In theory, you could also use it in the kitchen, for cleaning, body care, etc. But considering its cost, it would not be a very economical choice.

What type of bicarbonate to use?

There is no photo. For all the daily uses of this miracle product, choose food bicarbonate.

It's inexpensive, versatile, and easy to find.

Where to buy baking soda?

You don't know where to find Briochin baking soda or another brand?

You can buy it directly online here or read our article on this subject by clicking here.

You can also find it in the "salt" or "cleaning" sections of the supermarket

Precautions for use

Given its high sodium content, prolonged ingestion of bicarbonate is not recommended.

If you suffer from heart failure, its use is contraindicated.

Of course, common sense dictates that you take advice from your doctor before using bicarbonate as a medicine.

Here is ! We hope to have cleared up the confusion between the different types of bicarbonate.

Do you have any comments? Don't hesitate to share them with us, we can't wait;-)