Additive-free dried yeast

When the Real Bread Campaign started in 2008, two brands of additive-free, dried active yeast were widely available in the UK. They are no more.

In April 2024, the Campaign searched for additive-free dried active and fast acting (also known as quick, instant, easy bake etc.) yeast available in the UK.

Of nearly 30 products found, 27 (90%) contained one or more additives.

In three cases (Aldi the Pantry, Co-op amd McDougalls) the ingredients list was as long as: yeast (94%), stabiliser (calcium sulphate), emulsifier (sorbitan monostearate), flour treatment agents (ascorbic acid, alpha amylase), salt, wheat flour, wheat flour (with added calcium, iron, niacin, thiamin), wheat starch.

Which dried yeast can be used to make Real Bread?

The Real Bread Campaign defines Real Bread as made without chemical raising agents, so-called processing aids or other additives. A product made using any ingredient (such as flour or yeast) that contains additives falls short of this and so is not what the Campaign calls Real Bread and not eligible to bear The Real Bread Loaf Mark.*

Only three products reached this very low bar by being additive-free:

• Bio Real 
• Forest Whole Foods organic dried yeast
• SAF-Leuvre active dry yeast**

To find and compare stockists, you can do an online search.

If you know of any other additive-free brand of dried yeast that’s available in the UK, please Drop us a line.

*Exceptions we make to this criterion are for so-called fortificants in places (including the UK) where they are added to flour by law.

**Note that the SAF brand also includes a number of lines that are not additive-free.

What other options are there?

• Fresh yeast is usually additive-free – though always read the ingredients list to be sure.
• A live sourdough starter that you make yourself from additive-free flour* and water.
• A fresh or dried sourdough starter that you buy – again, always read the label.

Want to help change things?

You could write to yeast producers and ask them to offer additive-free dried active yeast. If they see demand direct from people who make bread (rather than reported by the Campaign), perhaps one or more companies will meet it.

The products

Results of an online search for 'dried active yeast' and 'instant yeast' available in the UK, conducted by the Real Bread Campaign on 15 April 2024.

Brand	Type	Additive-free
Bio Real	Dried active	Yes
Forest Wholefood Organic	Website doesn't specify	Yes
SAF-Leuvre active dry yeast	Dried active	Yes
AB Mauri Mauripan	Fast acting	No
Aldi the Pantry	Fast acting	No
Allinson's	Fast acting	No
Allinson's	Dried active	No
Allinson's time saver	Fast acting	No
BAKE by ASDA Easy Bake Yeast	Fast acting	No
Bakers Instant Dried Yeast	Fast acting	No
Belbake Dried Yeast (Lidl)	Fast acting	No
Borwick's Dried Yeast	Fast acting	No
Caputo Lievito Secco	Fast acting	No
Co-op instant dried yeast	Fast acting	No
Daily Bread	Fast acting	No
DCL Instant	Fast acting	No
Doves Farm	Fast acting	No
Fermipan (Red)	Fast acting	No
Hovis	Fast acting	No
Mauripan instant	Fast acting	No
McDougalls bread yeast	Fast acting	No
Morrison's fast action	Fast acting	No
Pure Gluten Free	Fast acting	No
Red Star dry active yeast	Dried active	No
SAF-Leuvre (Gold)	Fast acting	No
Sainsbury's	Fast acting	No
Tesco	Fast acting	No

 

See also

• Making Real Bread at home
• Microbakery
• Where to find fresh yeast (last updated in 2012)
• Yeast conversion table
• Flour: always read the label
• Undeclared flour additive
• Why no additives?