Yes, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda is indeed meant for food use, specifically for baking and cooking purposes. Despite its name and logo, which may not seem immediately associated with baking, it is a safe and widely used ingredient in the kitchen.
"Baking soda" is just another term for sodium bicarbonate, a chemical compound with many applications. Arm & Hammer, a well-known brand, produces baking soda for various purposes, including cleaning, deodorizing, and cooking. The brand name and logo might have originally been associated with the more general household cleaning uses of baking soda, but over time, it has become widely recognized and accepted as a key ingredient in baking.
When used in baking, baking soda acts as a leavening agent, which means it helps dough and batters rise when combined with acidic ingredients (like buttermilk, vinegar, yogurt, or citrus juices). The reaction between baking soda and the acid produces carbon dioxide gas, causing the mixture to expand and creating a light and airy texture in baked goods.
So, even though the name and logo might not appear to fit baking food at first glance, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda is indeed a suitable and safe product to use in baking, and it has been used for this purpose for many years in households and professional kitchens alike. As with any ingredient, it's essential to use it in the correct proportions specified in recipes to achieve the desired results in your baked goods.