Powder composition comprising alkali metal bicarbonate particles and an amino acid as additive. A process for preparing alkali metal bicarbonate particles by spray-drying of an aqueous solution comprising 1-10% by weight of alkali metal bicarbonate and an amino acid as additive. A process for preparing alkali metal bicarbonate particles by co-grinding the alkali metal bicarbonate in the presence of an amino acid as additive.

In certain example embodiments, the invention comprises an agent for leavening baked goods comprising sodium bicarbonate and dried buffered vinegar. In some embodiments, the sodium bicarbonate is encapsulated in a lipid material, such as palm oil, fractionated palm oil, fully hydrogenated palm oil, mono- and di-glycerides, fully hydrogenated cottonseed oil, or fully hydrogenated soybean oil. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of making an agent for leavening baked goods comprising mixing together sodium bicarbonate, dried buffered vinegar, and a lipid material, such as described herein.