We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Yeast For Baking Bread 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

One in a Mill Instant Dry Yeast Packets | Fast Acting Self Rising Yeast for Baking Bread, Cake, Pizza Dough Crust | Kosher | Quick Rapid Rise Leavening Agent for Pastries | 24 Packets

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,411
Fermentation Time
Shelf Life and Storage
Recipe Requirements

Most important from
3936 reviews

Fermentation Time
This yeast works better at high altitudes than other brands like Red Star or Fleischmanns, delivering a great rise in less time.
Shelf Life and Storage
Consistent performance has helped improve baking skills, even after a year of storage in the freezer.
Recipe Requirements
Easy to use and offers great value, making it a reliable choice for various recipes.

One in a Mill Instant Dry Yeast Packets offer a rapid rise solution for a variety of baking needs, including bread, cakes, and pizza dough. One of its standout features is its ability to skip the first rise of the dough, making it particularly useful for those pressed for time. The yeast's fine granules mix easily into ingredients without pre-hydration, streamlining the baking process.

This makes it a convenient option for quick baking projects and perfect for busy bakers looking for excellent performance and light, airy textures in their baked goods. It also boasts high leavening strength, ensuring impressive results across different types of bread and pastries, from cinnamon buns to artisan loaves. The product is kosher and comes in a 24-pack, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent bakers.

It's important to note that the yeast's rapid action may not be ideal for recipes that require a slower fermentation to develop complex flavors. Additionally, while the product offers excellent convenience and performance, it may not be as suited for those who prefer traditional baking methods requiring multiple rises for a deeper flavor profile. Its shelf life and storage requirements are typical for instant dry yeast, but users should ensure they store it properly to maintain its effectiveness. This instant dry yeast is a versatile, high-quality option for quick and efficient baking, though it may not fully meet the needs of bakers seeking traditional fermentation methods.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,411
Fermentation Time
Shelf Life and Storage
Recipe Requirements

Most important from
3936 reviews

Fermentation Time
This yeast works better at high altitudes than other brands like Red Star or Fleischmanns, delivering a great rise in less time.
Shelf Life and Storage
Consistent performance has helped improve baking skills, even after a year of storage in the freezer.
Recipe Requirements
Easy to use and offers great value, making it a reliable choice for various recipes.
#2

Anthony's Active Dry Yeast Packets, Contains 42 Individual Packets, Gluten Free

Rating
8.2
Type of Yeast
Shelf Life and Storage
Recipe Requirements

Most important from
2127 reviews

Type of Yeast
The yeast delivers exceptional freshness, which makes a noticeable difference in bread quality.
Shelf Life and Storage
Prepackaged individual packets make measuring simple and help maintain yeast freshness over time.
Recipe Requirements
Works reliably with a variety of baking recipes, making it a versatile choice for breads and pastries.

Anthony's Active Dry Yeast comes in 42 individual packets, each containing 0.25 ounces of traditional active dry yeast, which is a popular type for home bread baking. This yeast is gluten free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. It works well for a variety of baked goods, including bread, pizza crusts, rolls, and sweet treats like cinnamon rolls.

Active dry yeast typically requires a warm liquid to activate and a standard fermentation time, which fits most common baking recipes. Since it’s in individual packets, measuring is easy and convenient, helping to reduce waste and keep the yeast fresh between uses. The powder form has a good shelf life when stored in a cool, dry place, but as with all active dry yeasts, it’s important to check the expiration date to ensure good rising power.

This yeast is versatile and reliable, though it may need a bit more time to rise compared to fast-acting or instant yeasts. It represents a solid choice for anyone who bakes regularly and wants a trusted, gluten-free yeast option that fits well with most bread-making recipes.

Rating
8.2
Type of Yeast
Shelf Life and Storage
Recipe Requirements

Most important from
2127 reviews

Type of Yeast
The yeast delivers exceptional freshness, which makes a noticeable difference in bread quality.
Shelf Life and Storage
Prepackaged individual packets make measuring simple and help maintain yeast freshness over time.
Recipe Requirements
Works reliably with a variety of baking recipes, making it a versatile choice for breads and pastries.
#3

LeSaffre Saf-Instant Yeast, yTpoVo Gold, 4 Pound

Rating
7.9
Type of Yeast
Flavor Profile

Most important from
91 reviews

Type of Yeast
Better than my Costco yeast!!
Flavor Profile
Gold SAF yeast is particularly recommended for sweeter breads but I use it for all my baking. It always rises well.

The SAF LeSaffre Instant Yeast, specifically the Gold variant, is designed for sweet dough varieties, which require a sugar content of over 5% of the total flour weight. This makes it ideal for recipes like brioche, challah, and other enriched doughs. Its standout feature is its high-performance fermentation action and speed, which should make your baking process more efficient.

The yeast comes in a 1-pound vacuum-packed foil package that ensures freshness and extends shelf life, though you'll need to store it properly once opened to maintain its efficacy. The product flows as a powder, making it easy to measure and mix into your dough. It’s also certified Kosher Parve, which might be important for some users.

Although suitable for all types of bread-making applications and can handle various climatic conditions, it shines the most in sweet dough recipes. If you're looking for yeast to bake a variety of bread, especially those with high sugar content, this product could be a great fit. However, if you primarily bake savory breads or those with lower sugar content, you might not need this specific type of yeast.

Rating
7.9
Type of Yeast
Flavor Profile

Most important from
91 reviews

Type of Yeast
Better than my Costco yeast!!
Flavor Profile
Gold SAF yeast is particularly recommended for sweeter breads but I use it for all my baking. It always rises well.

Buying Guide for the Best Yeast For Baking Bread

Choosing the right yeast for baking bread is crucial for achieving the desired texture, flavor, and rise in your bread. Yeast is a living organism that ferments the dough, producing carbon dioxide which makes the bread rise. There are different types of yeast available, and each has its own characteristics and uses. Understanding these differences will help you select the best yeast for your baking needs.
Type of YeastThere are several types of yeast commonly used in baking: active dry yeast, instant yeast, and fresh yeast. Active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in water before use, while instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients. Fresh yeast, also known as cake yeast, is moist and perishable, requiring refrigeration. The type of yeast you choose can affect the convenience and timing of your baking process. If you prefer a quicker rise and easier handling, instant yeast might be the best choice. For traditional recipes and a more hands-on approach, active dry yeast or fresh yeast could be more suitable.
Fermentation TimeFermentation time refers to how long the yeast takes to make the dough rise. Instant yeast typically has a shorter fermentation time compared to active dry yeast and fresh yeast. If you are looking for a quicker baking process, instant yeast is ideal. However, longer fermentation times, as seen with active dry and fresh yeast, can develop more complex flavors in the bread. Consider your schedule and flavor preferences when choosing the yeast.
Flavor ProfileDifferent yeasts can impart different flavors to your bread. Fresh yeast is often praised for its ability to produce a rich, traditional bread flavor. Active dry yeast and instant yeast can also produce delicious bread, but the flavor might be slightly different. If you are aiming for a specific taste, experimenting with different types of yeast can help you find the perfect match for your recipe.
Shelf Life and StorageYeast's shelf life and storage requirements vary by type. Instant and active dry yeast have a longer shelf life and can be stored at room temperature until opened, after which they should be refrigerated. Fresh yeast has a much shorter shelf life and must be kept refrigerated at all times. If you bake infrequently, you might prefer the longer-lasting instant or active dry yeast. For frequent bakers, fresh yeast can be a great option if you can use it before it expires.
Recipe RequirementsSome bread recipes specify a particular type of yeast. It's important to follow these recommendations to achieve the best results. If a recipe calls for active dry yeast, using instant yeast might require adjustments in the amount used or the fermentation time. Always check your recipe and understand how the type of yeast will affect the baking process and final product.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now