It puts the rise in muffins, quick bread, pancakes and waffles. Sodium Bicarbonate Powder is an extra-fine, white powder used in cooking and baking to leaven. Also known as baking soda, it reacts to acidic ingredients—lemon juice, cream of tartar, yogurt, buttermilk, cocoa, or vinegar—releasing carbon dioxide, which causes the batter to expand and rise, giving it a light and tender texture. Use it in pancakes, cakes, quick bread, and other baked and fried foods.