Abstract: Chemically leavened baking compositions, i.e., batters and doughs, intended for the production of no fat or reduced fat bakery products which comprise flour; no more than about 15 wt. % of the unbaked composition of shortening; a total water content such that the water activity of the unbaked composition (a.sub.W) at room temperature is in the range of about 0.70 to about 0.95; and as a leavening agent, sodium bicarbonate (SBC) having a particle size distribution such that about 15 to about 50 wt. % of the particles have a particle size less than about 105 microns (U.S. Mesh Size 140) and about 30 to about 65 wt. % of the particles have a particle size greater than about 149 microns (U.S. Mesh Size 100). Preferably the composition also contains at least one fat replacer, the total fat replacer being in an amount of at least about 0.10 wt. % of the unbaked composition.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing a particulate potassium bicarbonate composition which maintains its free-flow properties when stored under ambient temperature and relative humidity conditions. In the process, particulate potassium bicarbonate is blended with fine grain alkaline earth metal oxide, and the oxide is microdispersed on the surface of the particles. The oxide reacts with moisture and carbon dioxide to form an adherent physically-bonded coating of alkaline earth metal carbonate on the surface of the potassium bicarbonate particles. The altered particle surface prevents agglomeration of the potassium bicarbonate particles.