Baked Goods
How long does baking soda last in the pantry?
Baking soda keeps 2–3 years sealed but drops to 6 months once it’s opened for baking — tip a little into vinegar, and if it doesn’t foam hard it belongs down the drain, not in the batter.
Pantry, from purchase
How long does it keep?
| Pantry, from purchase | 2–3 years |
|---|---|
| Pantry, opened | 6 months |
Can it sit out?
Baking soda is shelf-stable, so sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question — storage time is.
How to tell if baking soda has gone bad
- Barely a bubble when it meets vinegar
- A solid brick in the bottom of the box
- It smells of whatever it’s been sitting next to
- Gray or damp patches through the powder
When in doubt, throw it out.
The open box in the fridge soaking up smells is finished as a leavener the moment it goes in — keep a separate box for baking.
Quick answers
How long does baking soda last in the pantry?
Baking soda keeps 2–3 years sealed but drops to 6 months once it’s opened for baking — tip a little into vinegar, and if it doesn’t foam hard it belongs down the drain, not in the batter.
How long can baking soda sit out?
Sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question for baking soda — storage time is.