Top Active Dry Yeast Brands for Baking Adventures

Are you embarking on a baking adventure and seeking the finest active dry yeast to ensure your bread rises to perfection? Choosing the right yeast can be pivotal, as it not only influences the texture and flavor but also the overall success of your baked goods. There are numerous brands in the market, each offering unique qualities and attributes to suit different preferences and baking needs. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious novice, we've compiled a comprehensive list of the best brands for active dry yeast that you won't want to miss. Discover the top contenders and elevate your baking experience by exploring the options below.

Illustration of active dry yeast

Best brands of active dry yeast in 2025

Red Star

Red Star, established in the late 1880s, is a highly reputable brand known for producing premium quality active dry yeast, using a unique process that removes moisture while maintaining cell viability and leavening power, ensuring freshness and consistent results; this all-natural yeast is used by generations of bakers, and is a key ingredient for various doughs and recipes. The company supplied 5 million pounds of dry yeast to the US military during World War II, demonstrating its critical role in providing essential baking supplies. Red Star was acquired by Lesaffre Group in 2001 and continues to be recognized for superior quality and innovation, and their active dry yeast is recommended to be used at 1-3% of flour weight after rehydration.

Fleischmann's

Fleischmann's, established in 1868, is renowned as a top producer of active dry yeast, having developed it during World War II to ensure soldiers had access to home-baked bread, which requires dissolving in warm liquid (100°–110°F) before use, and this shelf-stable product is still favored for its reliable performance, especially as it is gluten-free, and comes in convenient 0.25 oz packets.

SAF-Instant

SAF-Instant, a globally recognized brand, is a top producer of active dry yeast, offering various formulations like the original red for low-sugar doughs, and premium high-power yeast with 15-30% higher activity. Their instant yeast does not require rehydration, providing ease of use for both professional and home bakers, and it is available in different packaging sizes such as 11g, 125g, and 500g. SAF-Instant is known for its fermentation stability, even in warmer temperatures, and its products have a long shelf life.

Bob's Red Mill

Bob's Red Mill, founded in 1978, is a well-regarded producer of active dry yeast, known for its consistent performance and reliability in baking, making it a favorite for both gluten and gluten-free recipes, with approximately 284 servings per 8-ounce package and a resealable package to maintain freshness for months when refrigerated. Their yeast is used by professional bakers and home cooks alike for various baked goods, including sandwich bread, pizza crust, and cinnamon rolls. The company became employee-owned in 2010, securing its legacy with more than 700 employee owners.

King Arthur Baking Company

King Arthur Baking Company, established in 1790, offers a variety of baking products, including active dry yeast, though they primarily use SAF Red instant yeast in their test kitchen. While active dry yeast can be used interchangeably with instant yeast, it may require a slightly longer rise time. The company recommends storing yeast in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a year to maintain its freshness. They also have a yeast measuring spoon that measures the exact equivalent to 0.25-ounce packets of active dry yeast.

Mauripan

Mauripan, established as part of AB Mauri in 2004, is a globally recognized brand for producing high-quality active dry yeast, with a history that dates back to 1868. They offer both low-sugar (up to 7%) and high-sugar varieties, typically used at a rate of 0.5% to 2% of flour weight, known for its consistent results and long shelf life. Mauripan yeast is available in various sizes such as 11g and 500g packs, making it suitable for both home and commercial use.

Dr. Oetker

Dr. Oetker is a well-regarded brand, known for producing high-quality active dry yeast, which is often sold in convenient 7g or 21g packets, with one 7g sachet typically suitable for 500g of flour, ensuring a reliable rise for various baking needs without needing prior dissolving. This yeast is considered one of the most shelf-stable and dependable options by bakers.

Lesaffre

Lesaffre, a global leader in yeast production since 1853, offers a range of active dry yeasts, including the popular Red Star brand, known for its consistent performance and is used in a variety of baking applications. With a recommended usage of 1-3% of flour weight after rehydration, it boasts a two-year shelf life when unopened and stored in cool, dry conditions. Their active dry yeast is available in various packaging sizes to meet different needs. Lesaffre's products also include instant dry yeast, which has a 30-40 times greater fermentation power than active dry yeast. Their products are certified Non-GMO, Kosher Parve, and Halal.

Hodgson Mill

Hodgson Mill is a reliable producer of active dry yeast, offering a high-quality product that has been trusted since 1882, with each packet containing 8.75 grams of yeast, which is 25% more than most commercial brands, making it ideal for baking with whole grain flours and achieving higher loaves. It works well in bread machines or for hand baking. For more information about their products, visit their official website.

Bellarise

Bellarise is a top-tier producer of active dry yeast, offering varieties like Bellarise Gold, ideal for doughs with over 10% sugar, and Bellarise Red for those with less than 10% sugar, with their Supreme Instant Dry Yeast showing up to a 30% increase in gassing power and a 10-15% reduction in proof times. These yeasts are made with carefully selected strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and processed in state-of-the-art sterile facilities. The brand's yeast is dehydrated to ensure rapid hydration when added to the dough, and they are non-GMO. You can find more information about their products at Bellarise's website.