How To Test Yeast! Is it still alive?

This is how to check if your yeast is still alive. There is one thing for sure. If your yeast isn't alive anymore, it's not going to work.

If you haven't baked for a while, you will want to check if your yeast is still ok before going ahead with your recipe.

Especially if you are having a baking day and making a lot of batches of homemade bread and dough.

How To Tell If Yeast Is Still Good

To check if yeast is still good, dissolve it in warm water with a pinch of sugar. If the mixture becomes foamy within 5-10 minutes, the yeast is active and good to use.

If there is no foam, the yeast is likely expired and won't work for baking. Always check the expiration date on the packaging for the best results.

We are going to show you exactly how to check to make sure your yeast is still good so that you can make delicious baking.

Here's how to test and proof your yeast to make sure it's still active.

Step By Step: Testing Yeast

Step 1: Check the expiry date on your package or jar of yeast.

If the yeast is out of date (over two months past the expiry date), chances are that it is no longer ok.

Yeast is a living organism so it will eventually be less effective as the month's pass.

Step 2: Prepare a 1/4 cup of warm water.

The temperature should be between 105°F - 110°F. This is very important because if the temperature is too low, your yeast won't wake up. If your temperature is too high, you will kill the yeast. So sad.

Step 3: Dissolve 2 tsp of sugar into the water.

Yeast needs a little bite to eat while it's waking up and sugar is its favorite food. You can also use honey or maple syrup for this step.

Step 4: Add 1 tsp of yeast to the sugar/water mixture

Stir gently for about 20 seconds. Your yeast is going to find all of the yummy sugar molecules and get all happy in there if it is still alive.

how to test yeast

Step 5: Wait for about 10 minutes.

After about 10 minutes, you should see bubbles and froth forming. Your yeast will also have a familiar yeasty aroma, which some people say it smells like beer.

If your yeast looks airy and you can see it producing little bubbles within the sugar water, congratulations! You are good to go ahead with your recipes.

See how bubbly and frothy it is?

In the photos below, the left shows how expired yeast will look after ten minutes. The yeast on the right is perfect!

check if yeast is still alive

FAQ's About Testing Yeast

Why should I test yeast before baking?

Yeast is a microorganism that is alive. When yeast is activated by adding to a sugar mixture, then it wakes up and starts to feed on the sugar. This produces air bubbles and froth.

This is what gives bread and baking the texture and flavor. Testing your yeast first will help you save money on ingredients by making sure your yeast is still ok.

How should I store yeast?

You want your yeast to last for as long as possible. Even if the expiry date is within two months or so, your yeast might still be ok if you have it stored properly.

Yeast should be stored in a cupboard or cool place away from any light. So if you are buying a large amount of yeast and want to transfer it into a jar just make sure the jar is dark glass.

Check the price on black jars on amazon.

My yeast is expired. What should I do with it?

Expired yeast can be used in many ways. If you have a compost yeast is great for adding nutrients to your composting pile. Some people even use yeast for plant food on some plants.

Yeast adds nutrients to the soil so if you have a garden, you can work your old yeast right into the soil too.

Can I freeze yeast?

Yes, you can freeze yeast. The best way to freeze yeast is in a dark glass freezer-safe container. Yeast will keep in the freezer for sometimes up to 3 months past the expiry date. You can use the yeast straight out of the freezer and start proofing it.

Can I use milk instead of water when using yeast?

Yes, you can use milk instead of water when using yeast for your baking. Just make sure that the temperature of your milk is between 105°F - 110°F.

This is very important because if the temperature of your milk is too low, your yeast won't wake up. If your temperature is too high, you will kill the yeast.

What is the best type of yeast to use for breadmaking?

If you are making bread from scratch then you will want to use regular dry active yeast.

You can purchase dry active yeast or you can also get active fresh yeast. Dry active yeast comes in small packages, jars and even in 2lb pouches.