Active Dry Yeast vs. Instant Yeast

Active Dry Yeast vs. Instant Yeast

If you enjoy baking regularly, you've probably worked with yeast before. A near magical ingredient, yeast helps breads and baked goods rise to perfection without much effort. The many different types of yeast found on grocery store shelves can stump some of the most experienced bakers. Different types of yeast affect your bread in unique ways, and knowing which kind to use in each recipe is the key to a successful, great-tasting outcome. To help you bake flavorful and fluffy bread with each attempt, we've created a guide outlining the difference between active dry yeast and instant yeast. Continue reading to level up your baking skills and learn how to make the best bread in town.

What Is Yeast?

Before baking with yeast, it's a good idea to know what yeast is and where it comes from. A single-cell organism, yeast is a type of fungus that is only visible with a microscope. It takes nearly twenty billion yeast cells to form one gram. To grow, yeast cells convert their foodsugar and starchinto carbon dioxide and alcohol. Because dough easily stretches, this process of fermentation and release of carbon dioxide causes it to expand and rise while baking.

What Is Active Dry Yeast?

Now, you may be wondering more about the different types of yeast. The type of yeast largely depends on how it is processed. For example, active dry yeast is a granulated and dehydrated form of yeast commonly used in baking recipes. It is made by introducing wild yeasts to molasses and starch and then sterilized to result in a yeast sludge. This sludge is then dried and granulated, resulting in the active dry yeast sold on grocery store shelves. The process prevents the yeast from fermenting fully, and as a result, bakers must introduce the fine granules of dried yeast to a warm liquid and a small amount of sugar. Combining these three ingredients will restart the fermentation process causing the yeast cells to consume the sugar and convert it into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This result is a bubbly and aromatic mixture that helps bread rise quickly.

The Difference Between Active Dry Yeast and Fresh Yeast

When comparing active dry yeast and fresh yeast, there is one main difference: active dry yeast has a significantly longer shelf life than fresh yeast. Fresh yeast, also called cake yeast, is often kept in the refrigerated section and used to make soft, compressed cakes. Yet, its high moisture content will only last about two weeks before spoiling. While some bakers prefer fresh yeast over dry yeast, many find it hard to use up before it begins to deteriorate. Ultimately, when choosing between the two, it comes down to preference.

What Is Instant Yeast?

Instant yeast in glass jar Now that we know what fresh yeast is and how it's used, you're likely wondering the difference between active dry yeast vs. instant yeast. Unlike active dry yeast, instant yeast does not need to be dissolved in water before use. Though instant yeast goes through the same process of culturing and drying, it's milled into even finer granules. This allows it to dissolve when combined with wet ingredients easily. Instant yeast can also be produced with additional enzymes like ascorbic acid to help speed up the rising process.

Can Active Dry Yeast Be Substituted for Instant Yeast?

Though active dry yeast and instant yeast are different, they are similar enough to be used interchangeably. However, the resulting rise times may vary slightly, and you must make up for the difference by adding an additional 15 minutes of rising time when using active dry yeast in a recipe that calls for instant yeast. Contrarily, there's no need for rehydration when using instant yeast in a recipe that calls for active dry yeast.

The Main Differences Between Instant and Active Dry Yeast

Though instant and active dry yeast are made from the same ingredient, yeast, their slight variations make them different. The two most significant differences are:

Active Dry Yeast Requires Rehydration

Instant yeast can be mixed into dry ingredients and still produce the desired results. However, dry yeast must be dissolved and rehydrated in warm water to rise correctly.

Instant Yeast Requires Less Time to Rise

Because instant yeast is finer than active dry yeast, it rises more quickly, and the initial proofing time can be skipped. Conversely, loaves made with active dry yeast require a longer rise time to allow the yeast to work its way through the dough.

Yeast Uses

Gluten Free Flatbread Pizza Crust Now that you know the difference between these two popular yeast types, you may be wondering how to use them. Yeast is a common ingredient when baking bread and other baked goods like muffins, rolls and cake rise. Yeast is also used to make beer and is responsible for the distinctive aroma and flavor components that create different styles.

When to Use Each Type of Yeast

Though Instant yeast is a popular option, active dry yeast is the go-to for most bakers. Here's a quick overview of common uses for each yeast type.

Fresh Yeast

As we mentioned earlier, fresh yeast is a yeast that has never been dehydrated. While its freshness may contribute to a shorter shelf life, it typically results in baked goods with a more significant, faster rise and a richer flavor. As a result, fresh yeast is a favorite amongst professional bakers, especially when making flavorful, robust bread.

Instant Yeast

Instant yeast is the easiest variety to use. As the name suggests, it produces a near-instant rise making it ideal for bread machines and quick rolls.

Active Dry Yeast

Active dry yeast is a favorite amongst novice and seasoned bakers. It's the most versatile form of yeast and can be used to create bread, cinnamon rolls, cakes, pizza dough and more.

How to Cook with Yeast

Proofing dough in a special basket When cooking with yeast, you'll want to ensure that you're using the right kind. Though most yeast types can be used interchangeably, following the recipe as closely as possible is essential.

Proofing Yeast

If you've had your yeast for a while and are unsure if it is still alive, we suggest performing a quick test. To test if yeast is active, start by pouring cup of lukewarm water into a bowl and sprinkle a bit of the yeast over it, along with a pinch of sugar. Next, stir the mixture and allow it to sit for three to five minutes. If the yeast dissolves and the liquid bubbles, then the yeast is still alive and ready to use.

What Does Yeast Taste Like?

Though it's unlikely that you'll be trying a spoonful of yeast anytime soon, different types of yeast can affect the flavor of your bread. Though not everyone may be able to tell, many developed bakers report a difference in taste in an active dry, instant and fresh yeast. Whereas fresh yeast may add a richer flavor to your bread, active dry yeast lends a more mild, less aggressive yeasty taste.

Yeast Substitutes

If you run out of yeast while baking, don't head to the grocery store just yet. Baking soda can be used as a substitute for yeast in several recipes. When using baking soda as a substitute, you'll need to add a bit of acid to the mixture. For a successful substitution, use equal parts baking soda and lemon juice to equal the amount of yeast called for in the recipe. dough rising in a shape of heart on wooden board

How to Store Yeast

The best way to store yeast is exactly how it was bought. The yeast should be stored unopened in its original packaging to remain fresh. Store it in a dark place such as a pantry or refrigerator. Once you've opened the yeast package, leftover yeast can be placed in an airtight container and stored at the back of the fridge until you're ready to use it. When opened, both active dry yeast and instant yeast should be used within three months. Though the differences between active dry yeast and instant yeast are subtle, incorrect substitutions can cause baked goods to turn flat. Therefore, when following a recipe that calls for yeast, we recommend using the recommended yeast to guarantee the best results. Ready to begin baking with yeast? To create delicious yeast-filled recipes, try out a savory side like these Easy Yeast Rolls with Butter and Thyme or bake up a sweet breakfast like these Gluten Free and Vegan Yeast Waffles. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you a fun and flavor-filled day! Do you bake with yeast regularly? We'd love to hear more about the delicious baked goods you create with active dry yeast. Share your favorite yeast-based recipes with us in the comment below!
Bob's Red Mill
May 09 2022

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