Known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae formally, brewer’s yeast is a fungus used mainly to brew beer and bake some types of bread. Typically, brewer’s yeast has a bitter taste and odor.
When the brewer’s yeast is combined with other ingredients, it will ferment the carbs and trap the carbon dioxide, creating the required rise for bread causing it to be light and fluffy.
There are essentially two kinds of brewer’s yeast. Active yeast is the kind that is commonly used to make beer, while the second type is not active and is mainly used as a health supplement. Additionally, brewer’s yeast is loaded with vitamins, including B vitamins and minerals, making it healthier than other types of yeast.
If brewer’s yeast is a required ingredient in any recipe, you could use baker’s yeast; however, following the recipe to a T and using the brewer’s recipe will give you the best results.
You can find brewer’s yeast online, in the big box and local stores; however, if you’re unable to find it, read on to find out where you can buy brewer’s yeast that you can use for brewing beer or baking.
Where to Find Brewer’s Yeast
If you’re looking for authentic live brewer’s yeast, then you may not be able to find it in most regular grocery stores. And, if the store does stock brewer’s yeast, it is most probably dead, dehydrated yeast, which is mainly used as a health supplement and cannot be used for brewing or baking.
You can find the yeast in the supplements/vitamins section, health foods, organic foods or natural foods aisle. Some stores may also stock the yeast next to health supplements. You are most likely to find live brewer’s yeast in stores selling brewer supplies.
Which Stores Can You Buy Brewer’s Yeast From?
If you’re unable to find brewer’s yeast in the grocery store in your area, here are a few other stores where you may be able to purchase it.
- Online: Brewer’s yeast is available in online stores such as Amazon. While it may not be live brewer’s yeast, you can find several versions of the brewer’s yeast supplement that can be taken for nutritional and health purposes.
- Health Stores: You can easily find brewer’s yeast in health stores like the Vitamin Shoppe, which is mainly used as a supplement.
- Big Box Stores: If you’re unable to find brewer’s yeast at your local grocery store, then you’re sure to find it at big box stores like Kroger, Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, etc. While you will be able to find the brewer’s yeast, it is most likely to be denatured, supplemental yeast.
- Brewers Supply Store: If your local area has breweries, then you’re sure to a local brewer’s supply store too. These stores are the perfect place to find live brewer’s yeast that you can use for brewing beer or baking.
Conclusion
While yeast is available in most stores, even your local grocery store, this yeast may not be suitable for brewing beer or baking. Most of these stores stock brewer’s yeast that can be used as a nutritional supplement. Brewer’s yeast suitable for brewing or baking can be quite a challenge to find and so you must be careful while shopping for brewer’s yeast.
However, you can purchase active brewer’s yeast from your local brewing store or online. All you need is to spend some time looking around and with some luck, you’re sure to score yourself some brewer’s yeast, perfect for your baking.
Brewer’s Yeast FAQs
Can I Find Brewer’s Yeast in My Local Grocery Store?
You may be able to find brewer’s yeast in your local grocery store. However, you must check it carefully before purchasing because most often, the brewer’s yeast found in grocery stores are ones that are used as a health supplement.
Can I Use Brewer’s Yeast for Baking?
Yes, you can use brewer’s yeast for baking bread; however, it may not be possible to use this for other types of recipes like cakes, cookies, etc. because brewer’s yeast has a bitter flavor and odor and is not sweet, which makes it unsuitable for sweet bakes.
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