Question: what is the difference between bicarb soda and baking soda?
Answer: Baking soda and bicarbonate of soda are actually different names for the same thing. You'll see baking soda referred to in recipes of US origin, but in the UK, Australia and New Zealand it is mainly referred to as bicarbonate of soda. Both bicarbonate of soda and baking powder are leavening (raising) agents.