What is the true statement about leavening agents?

• A. They increase dough density
• B. They create a lighter texture by producing gas
• C. They inhibit fermentation
• D. They add flavor

Answer: (B)

Leavening agents work by producing gas that expands the dough, creating air pockets and a lighter texture in baked goods. This gas can come from fermentation by yeast or from chemical reactions in baking powder or baking soda, or from steam as the batter heats. That gas production is what lightens the crumb and increases volume.

The other ideas don’t fit as well: they don’t make dough denser; they don’t inhibit fermentation (in fact some leaveners rely on fermentation to generate gas); and while some leaveners can influence flavor slightly, their primary job is to leaven, not to add flavor.