Baking Soda, scientifically known as Sodium Bicarbonate, is an essential ingredient commonly used in various recipes. It is a white crystalline powder that is alkaline in nature and has a slightly salty, alkaline taste resembling that of washing soda. It's highly popular as a leavening agent used in baking recipes like cakes, muffins, pancakes, and cookies, where it helps the dough to rise by creating air bubbles when combined with acid. Additionally, it also acts as a tenderizer in meat recipes. Apart from cooking, baking soda has several other uses in cleaning and health due to its neutralizing properties. It must be stored in a cool, dry place and should be replaced every 6 months to a year for optimum effectiveness in recipes.

Baking soda is typically found in the baking aisle of a grocery store. It is often placed on shelves with baking powder, cake mixes, flour, and other baking ingredients.