Bread soda, or bicarbonate of soda, has many synonyms. It is commonly known as baking soda, but it can also be referred to as sodium bicarbonate, bicarb soda, cooking soda, and sodium hydrogen carbonate. Some people may also refer to it as soda ash or washing soda, although these terms are less common and usually refer to a different chemical compound. Regardless of what you call it, bread soda is a versatile ingredient in baking and cooking, used to help dough rise, tenderize meat, and act as a leavening agent. It also has numerous household uses, from cleaning to odor elimination.