Oprah Baking Soda Drink
The Oprah baking soda drink is a simple wellness beverage made by dissolving baking soda in water, sometimes combined with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. These recipes serve 1 person per batch, deliver a clean, slightly fizzy drink that may support digestion, and are best for a daily pre-meal routine.
Here’s everything you need to make it perfectly.
I’ve tested all three versions back to back, and the lemon one is the only version I actually look forward to drinking. Plain baking soda water is functional but pretty dull. The apple cider vinegar version? That one’s an acquired taste — just a heads up.
Table of Contents
A Quick Note Before You Start
This recipe isn’t an official Oprah Winfrey product, endorsement, or affiliated recipe. The name “Oprah baking soda drink” is simply the popular nickname this wellness trend picked up online after being associated with her name in viral social media content — we have no confirmation that Oprah Winfrey created, endorses, or has any direct connection to this specific recipe or its claimed benefits.
This post is intended for general informational and recreational purposes only, not as medical advice. Baking soda is high in sodium, and the claims around digestion and “alkalizing” benefits are largely anecdotal rather than clinically proven. If you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart conditions, are pregnant, or take any medications, please talk to a doctor before adding this — or any new supplement-style drink — to your routine.
Why You’ll Love This Oprah Baking Soda Drink
All three recipes take under two minutes and use pantry staples you almost certainly already have. There’s no blending, no cooking, and no mess. The lemon version has a genuinely pleasant, lightly tangy flavor that’s easy to drink before meals.
Each drink is naturally low-calorie and fits virtually any dietary approach — gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, you name it. And since the ingredients cost almost nothing, it’s one of the most budget-friendly wellness drinks out there.
Oprah Baking Soda Drink
Equipment
- Glass
- Measuring Spoons
- Spoon
- Citrus juicer
- Sealed jar
Ingredients
Plain Baking Soda Water
- ½ tsp plain baking soda standard food-grade pantry baking soda
- 1-2 cups filtered or regular water room temperature works best
Lemon Baking Soda Drink
- 1 tsp plain baking soda standard food-grade pantry baking soda
- ½ lemon freshly squeezed juice only
- 1 cup filtered water room temperature
Apple Cider Vinegar Baking Soda Drink
- ¼ tsp plain baking soda use a small amount; less is more for this version
- 1-2 tbsp raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar use apple cider vinegar with the mother
- 8 oz filtered water about 1 cup
Optional Variations
- warm water swap for room-temperature water if preferred, especially in the morning
- honey optional pinch or small amount for leftover lemon version mixed with extra water
Instructions
- For plain baking soda water, add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to a clean glass.
- Pour in 1 to 2 cups of water and stir for about 15 seconds, or until the baking soda is fully dissolved with no white particles floating.
- Drink on an empty stomach about 20 to 30 minutes before a meal.
- For the lemon baking soda drink, squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon into a large glass.
- Add 1 teaspoon baking soda directly to the lemon juice. Let the mixture fizz immediately, then wait about 30 seconds for the fizzing to reduce.
- Stir in 1 cup filtered water until combined, then drink before a meal.
- For the apple cider vinegar baking soda drink, pour 1 to 2 tablespoons raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar into a large glass.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon baking soda to the vinegar and allow the fizzing to stop completely before adding water.
- Mix in 8 ounces filtered water and stir well.
- Consume before meals if desired, sipping slowly over 2 to 3 minutes instead of gulping.
Notes
What Ingredients Do You Need for the Baking Soda Drink?
Plain Baking Soda Water
| Ingredient Group | Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Plain baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon | Standard pantry baking soda |
| Main Ingredients | Filtered or regular water | 1 to 2 cups | Room temperature works best |
Lemon Baking Soda Drink
| Ingredient Group | Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Plain baking soda | 1 teaspoon | Standard pantry baking soda |
| Main Ingredients | Fresh lemon juice | Juice of 1/2 lemon | Freshly squeezed only |
| Main Ingredients | Filtered water | 1 cup | Room temperature |
Apple Cider Vinegar Baking Soda Drink
| Ingredient Group | Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Plain baking soda | 1/4 teaspoon | Less is more here |
| Main Ingredients | Raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar | 1 to 2 tablespoons | Use “with the mother” |
| Main Ingredients | Filtered water | 8 oz | About 1 cup |
The key ingredient here is plain, food-grade baking soda — the same box you’d find in any grocery store baking aisle. For the lemon version, fresh-squeezed juice makes a real difference over bottled. And for the apple cider vinegar version, look for raw, unfiltered ACV with the mother still in it — that’s the cloudy stuff at the bottom of quality brands.
If you enjoy other simple wellness drinks, you might also like this white clover tea recipe for another easy daily ritual.
How to Make the Baking Soda Drink Step by Step
Plain Baking Soda Water
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to a clean glass.
- Pour 1 to 2 cups of water into the glass.
- Stir until the baking soda is fully dissolved.
- Drink on an empty stomach, about 20 to 30 minutes before a meal.
Pro Tip: The baking soda should dissolve completely with about 15 seconds of stirring. If you see white particles still floating, keep stirring — undissolved baking soda is unpleasant to swallow.
Lemon Baking Soda Drink
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass.
- Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda directly to the lemon juice — it will fizz immediately.
- Wait about 30 seconds for the fizzing to reduce.
- Stir in 1 cup of water and drink before a meal.
Pro Tip: For the best results, add the baking soda to the lemon juice first, before adding water. This lets the acid-base reaction happen in a controlled way, so you don’t end up with overflow.
Apple Cider Vinegar Baking Soda Drink
- Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar into a glass.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to the vinegar and allow the fizzing to stop completely.
- Mix in 8 oz of filtered water and stir well.
- Consume before meals if desired.
Pro Tip: The key to the ACV version is waiting for the fizzing to fully stop before adding water. Rushing this step means the drink keeps bubbling in your glass — and potentially down the sides.
Expert Tips for Perfect Oprah Baking Soda Drink
Pro Tips for Success
The key to getting this right is starting with a small amount. If you’ve never tried an Oprah baking soda recipe before, start with the plain version at the lower end of the measurement — 1/2 teaspoon is plenty. Your body needs time to adjust.
For best results, drink it before meals, not after. That 20 to 30 minute pre-meal window is the sweet spot. Drinking it after you eat is less effective and can actually cause bloating for some people.
The most common mistake is using too much baking soda — instead, measure carefully every time. This isn’t a recipe where eyeballing works. Too much baking soda and the salty, metallic taste is really off-putting. It also increases your sodium intake significantly.
The Oprah baking soda trick works best when you’re consistent. A single drink won’t do much. People who report benefits from the Oprah Winfrey baking soda routine tend to stick with it for at least a few weeks.
One thing I wish someone had told me: the lemon version fizzes a lot more aggressively than you’d expect. Use a bigger glass than you think you need — I ruined a good shirt the first time I made it because I used a small cup.
Delicious Variations
Quick Version: Skip the lemon and ACV entirely and stick to plain baking soda water. It’s the fastest version — under 60 seconds from start to finish — and still delivers the same core effect.
Low-Sodium Version: Cut the baking soda measurement in half across all three recipes. The flavor is milder and the sodium drops significantly, which matters if you’re watching your blood pressure or following a heart-healthy diet.
Warm Water Version: Swap cold or room-temperature water for warm water. Some people find it easier on the stomach, especially first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Problem: The drink tastes too salty or metallic.
Solution: You’ve likely used too much baking soda. Stick to exact measurements — even a small overshoot changes the taste noticeably.
Problem: The lemon or ACV version keeps fizzing and overflows.
Solution: Always add the baking soda to the acid first in a large glass, then wait for fizzing to fully subside before adding water.
Problem: Feeling bloated or gassy after drinking it.
Solution: This can happen if you drink too much too fast. Sip it slowly over 2 to 3 minutes rather than gulping it down.
How to Store and Reheat the Oprah Baking Soda Drink
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 1 hour | Cover with a small plate to avoid dust |
| Refrigerator | Up to 24 hours | Store in a sealed jar or covered glass |
| Freezer | Not recommended | Freezing changes the texture and taste significantly |
Real talk: these drinks are best made fresh. If you refrigerate the lemon or ACV version overnight, the fizz is completely gone and the flavor flattens out. It’s still drinkable, but it tastes noticeably different from a freshly made batch.
Since each recipe takes under two minutes, it’s honestly worth just making it fresh each time. But if you need to prep ahead, the plain baking soda water holds up the best in the fridge — just give it a quick stir before drinking since the baking soda can settle slightly.
Leftover? Pour it into a small pitcher and use it within 24 hours. You can also use the lemon version as a base for a simple sparkling water mix if you add a bit more plain water and a pinch of honey — a nice way to avoid waste if you made too much.
For more simple drink ideas that pair well with a healthy morning routine, try this protein hot chocolate overnight oats as a complementary breakfast option.
Oprah Baking Soda FAQs
What is the Oprah baking soda trick?
The Oprah baking soda trick refers to drinking a small amount of baking soda dissolved in water — sometimes combined with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar — before meals. It became widely associated with Oprah Winfrey through viral wellness content. The basic idea is that baking soda may help neutralize stomach acid and support digestion when consumed in small amounts before eating.
How much baking soda should I use per day?
The recipes use between 1/4 teaspoon and 1 teaspoon of baking soda per drink. Most guidelines suggest not exceeding 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of baking soda per day for adults. It’s important to note that 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda contains approximately 629 mg of sodium, so people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart conditions should consult a doctor before trying any version of the Oprah baking soda recipe.
When should I drink the baking soda drink?
All three versions are designed to be consumed on an empty stomach, approximately 20 to 30 minutes before a meal. Drinking it after eating is generally less effective and may cause bloating for some people. Morning is a common time to take it, but any pre-meal window works.
Can I drink baking soda water every day?
Short-term daily use is generally considered safe for healthy adults in small amounts. However, long-term daily use can lead to issues like elevated blood pressure, metabolic alkalosis, or gastrointestinal problems due to the high sodium content. If you plan to make the Oprah Winfrey baking soda drink a regular habit, speak with a healthcare provider first — especially if you take medications or have any health conditions.
What does baking soda water taste like?
Plain baking soda water has a slightly salty, mildly alkaline taste that some people find unpleasant. The lemon version is noticeably more palatable — the citrus balances the baking soda and creates a light, tangy drink with a bit of fizz. The apple cider vinegar version has the strongest flavor and is an acquired taste for most people.
Ready to Try It?
Honestly, these three recipes are as simple as it gets. Two minutes, one glass, three ingredients max. The lemon version is the one I keep coming back to — it’s actually enjoyable, which I seriously didn’t expect from baking soda water.
If you try any version of the Oprah baking soda recipe, save it on Pinterest so you can find your favorite version again. And drop a comment below — I’d love to know which version you went with and what you thought.
Looking for more simple, wholesome recipes? Check out this simple eggless banana bread or these creamy yogurt noodles for easy, feel-good food ideas.
The Oprah baking soda drink — fizzy, tangy lemon version — is a two-minute pre-meal ritual worth trying. Save this for your wellness board and see which of the 3 recipes becomes your go-to.
