Baked goods generally rely on a chemical leavener, baking soda, baking powder, or yeast for lift. Without some sort of leavener, most baked goods would be very dense and very flat. When shopping, make sure to check the expiration dates and be conscientious about how to store them in the kitchen. Baking Soda Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, is an ALKALI used as a leavener in baked goods. When combined with an acid ingredient such as buttermilk, yogurt, or molasses, baking soda produces carbon dioxide gas bubbles, thereby, causing a dough or batter to rise. It also neutralizes acidity and produces tender baked goods. Because it reacts…