<p>Home bakers have entrusted Red Star yeast to perfect their breads, bagels and pizza dough for more than a century. Thanks to the consistent, high-quality of Red Star, generations have made baking a family tradition.</p> 
<h2>The History of Red Star</h2>
<p>Red Star is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has been producing yeast since the late 1880s,  originally as a part of Meadow Springs Distillery.</p> 
<br><br>
<p>Red Star Yeast was an original contributor to the development of active dry yeast, which gave yeast a longer shelf life thanks to a reduced moisture content. This new finding helped meet the dietary needs of soldiers during World War II.</p> 
<h2>The Science of Yeast</h2> 
<p>Yeast is a fundamental ingredient for so many baked goods, as a necessary component to make dough rise. You may not know that yeast is actually a single-celled fungi, related to others you may be familiar with, like edible mushrooms. The scientific name for the yeast used by bakers is Saccharomyces Cerevisiae - sugar-eating fungus. It's this species' strength that makes it capable of fermentation, which is what enables bread dough to rise.</p> 
<br><br>
<p>Yeast cells digest food to obtain energy for growth, and their favorite food is sugar. With their sweet tooth, they devour sugar in all its various forms - particularly maltose, which is derived from the starch in flour. </p>
<br><br>
<p>The process of alcohol fermentation releases end products that make bread as we know it possible. Carbon dioxide and ethyl alcohol make the dough rise because the gas cannot escape the elastic dough.</p><br><br>

<p>The three functions of yeast in baking are:<br><br>

<strong>Rising the dough:</strong> Carbon dioxide stretches and expands the dough.<br>
<strong>Dough development:</strong> Other compounds formed during yeast fermentation strengthen the flour to capture and hold the carbon dioxide.<br>
<strong>Flavor, smell, and texture:</strong> You can thank yeast for the sweet smell of fresh, yeast-raised products, as well as the texture and flavor.</p> 
<h2>Red Star Company Mission</h2>
<p>Red Star strives to take the fear out of baking with yeast, and make it a possibility for all experience levels of home bakers. It works to provide educational resources and baking competitions for consumers.</p> 
<h2>Top Red Star Product</h2>
<p>While yeast cells are incredibly small, their impact on our baked goods are nothing to balk at. Red Star has been perfecting yeast for over a century, making it an expert in the field.</p>
<h3>Active Dry Yeast</h3>
<p>Red Star’s active dry yeast is a cake yeast in a semi-dormant state. With less moisture than typical yeast, it has a prolonged shelf life while remaining <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/p/red-star-active-dry-yeast"target="_blank">just as effective</a>.</p>
<h2>Yeast, Fermentation & More</h2>
<p>Active yeast fills a big role. As you push forward in your baking adventures, you may have bread on the mind. Here are some related topics and trends when you can’t get enough of yeast:</p>
<h3>More Fermented Foods</h3>
<p>The process of making dough rise involves alcohol fermentation, thanks to the power of yeast. But the trend of fermented foods extends far beyond bread. Here are other ways <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/about-fermented-foods"target="_blank">fermentation</a> may end up gracing your palette.</p>
<h3>What Gluten Is and Why You Should Avoid It</h3>
<p>Gluten is found in many different foods, but you can definitely expect to find it in your homemade breads. To learn more about gluten, and why it’s gained a bad rep, <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/what-is-gluten"target="_blank">read here</a>.</p>


Red Star offers active dry yeast that is kosher, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian. Shop for this product at Thrive Market.

For over a century, home bakers have relied on Red Star yeast for consistent, high-quality results in their breads, bagels, and pizza dough. Established in the late 1880s, Red Star has been a pioneer in developing active dry yeast, which extends shelf life and was crucial for meeting soldiers' needs during World War II.

Red Star

Gluten-Free

Organic

Ketogenic

Whole30® Compatible

Vegan

Paleo

Low FODMAP

Mediterranean Diet

AIP Diet

Vegetarian

Plant-Based Perfection: How to Make a Vegan Burger

Keto vs. Atkins

6 Gluten-Free Recipes & Pantry Staples This Member Can’t Live Without

Shop By

Food

Vitamins & Supplements

Meat & Seafood

Home

Bath & Body

Babies & Kids

Beauty

Top Rated

What's New

2 Paleo Recipes That Bring Out the Best in Our Thrive Market Avocado Honey

How To Cook Spatchcock Chicken

Thrive Market Goods

Non-GMO

Big 9 Allergen-Free

Certified Organic

Certified Gluten-Free

Staff Picks

Pumpkin Season

Fall Flavors

Bestsellers

Thanksgiving Prep

Holiday Favorites

Football Food

Charcuterie & Wine

New Lower Price

Holiday & More

Pantry

Frozen

Wine

Health

Personal Care

Household

Beef

Poultry

Pork

Seafood

Easy Salmon Recipes

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings 2 Ways: Air-Fried and Baked

Baking

Canned & Packaged Foods

Cereals & Granolas

Condiments & Sauces

Ghee, Oils & Vinegars

Grains, Pasta & Bread

Honey & Sweeteners

Nut Butters & Fruit Spreads

Soups, Meals & Side Dishes

Spices, Seasoning & Salt

Our Baking Supplies

What’s New

9 Pumpkin Spice Recipes to Make This Fall

Minimize Food Waste by Getting Strategic

Whole30 Approved®

Non-GMO Project Verified

Dairy-Free

Bars

Candy & Chocolate

Snacks

Snacks, Bars & Treats

Cocktail Mixers

Coconut Water

Coffee

Coffee Creamer

Functional & Energy Drinks

Hot Chocolate

Juice & Nectar

Kids' Drinks

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Plant Based Milk

Protein Drinks

Smoothie & Drink Mixes

Sodas & Sparkling Juices

Water & Sparkling Water

Beverages

Ethically Sourced

Certified Kosher

Certified Fairly Traded

Sustainably Farmed

Caffeine-Free

Appetizers & Snacks

Frozen Bread & Dough

Breakfast Foods

Frozen Desserts

Frozen Fruit & Vegetables

Meals

Frozen Meat & Seafood

Pasta

Pizza

Plant-Based Meat & Seafood

Prepared Meat & Seafood

Bundle & Save

Pasture-Raised

Sustainably Caught

Free-Range

Made in USA

Family-Owned Business

Grass-Fed

No Antibiotics / Synthetic Hormones

Cider & Hard Pressed Juice

Red Wine

Sparkling

White Wine & Rosé

3 Ways to Cook With Leftover Wine

Red Wine Hot Cacao Recipe

Baby & Kids' Food

Baby & Kids' Health

Baby & Kids' Snacks

Diapering

Moms & Maternity

Our Diapers & Wipes

Healthy Homeschool Snacks for Every Craving

7 Quick, Easy, Fun, and Healthy Recipes to Cook With Your Kids

Dye- and Color Additive-Free

Fragrance-Free

Phthalate-Free

Health Concerns

Herbs & Homeopathy

Sports Nutrition

Dishwashing

Home Fragrance

Household Cleaners

Kitchen Supplies

Laundry

Paper Products

Potting Soil & Fertilizer

Storage & Organization

BPA-Free

Essential Oils

Paraben-Free

Cat Food & Treats

Dog Food & Treats

Pet Care

Best Sellers

How to Prep for a New Dog or Cat

10 Nontoxic Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products

Grain-Free

Soy-Free

Exclusives

Gift Guide

Gift Cards

Gift Boxes

Gifts