Can you substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast?

In this article, we will answer the question “Can you substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast?”, and how to use active dry yeast in the place of instant yeast.

Can you substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast instead. Although dry yeast requires more time to rise (2), it doesn’t mean that these can’t be used interchangeably.

 If you are short on time, simply add 25% more active dry yeast than originally required instant yeast in your recipe. 1 gram of active dry yeast should have the same bake activity as 3.1 grams of cake yeast (3).

How to use active dry yeast in the place of instant yeast?

To use active dry yeast in the place of instant yeast, you will have to increase the amount of yeast to be added in the recipe, as the rate in which the active dry yeast acts in the dough is lower than the rate in which the instant yeast acts.

As a consequence, to have the similar results, you will need to compensate for this fermentation speed difference by adding more active dry yeast as you would with  instant yeast. In addition, the adding of yeast cannot be directly to the dry flour, as usually made for instant yeast.

To add active dry yeast, you will need to mix it with the other liquids and fats (such as water, milk, butter or oil, depending on the recipe). This liquid mixture should be then added with the solid ingredients, such as flour and salt (2).

Active dry yeast can be substituted for instant yeast by simply adding 25% more active dry yeast to the recipe, or more. For example, if the recipe requires 1 teaspoon of instant yeast you can substitute it with active dry yeast with 1 ¼ teaspoon.

What is the difference between instant yeast and active dry yeast?

The main differences between instant yeast and active dry yeast are their moisture content, the proofing time and the shelf life. Some differences are mentioned below (2,4,5):

  • The instant active dry yeast has a higher fermentation speed than the active dry yeast
  • The shelf life of active dry yeast is 1 year, while the shelf life of instant dry yeast is 2 years 
  • Instant yeast has a very low moisture content and its fine particle size, while active dry yeast consists of grains or beads of live dried yeast cells which contains about 90% solids
  • In comparison to active dry yeast, instant yeast can be directly added to the flour, as it does not require rehydration before use 

How to successfully use active dry yeast in the place of instant yeast?

To successfully use active dry yeast in the place of instant yeast, you should be aware of the following points (2,3,4):

  • The rising efficiency provided by the yeast greatly varies and depends on the yeast strain (which may vary according to the trademark of the product)
  • The active dry yeast loses its efficacy faster than the instant yeast and therefore it is possible that an old active dry yeast may not suit to substitute instant yeast
  • To ensure that your active dry yeast is still active, proof it in a small portion of warm liquid added with sugar. If there is production of bubbles after 15 minutes, it means that the yeast is active and can be used

Other FAQs about Yeast which you may be interested in.

Does yeast go bad?

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question “Can you substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast?”, and how to use active dry yeast in the place of instant yeast.

References

  1. Shurson, G. C. Yeast and yeast derivatives in feed additives and ingredients: Sources, characteristics, animal responses, and quantification methods. Anim feed sci technol, 2018, 235, 60-76. 
  2. Heitmann, Mareile, Emanuele Zannini, and Elke K. Arendt. Metabolites produced during fermentation on bread quality parameters: a review. Investig technol nutri sensor, 2017, 13.
  3. Reed, G., Nagodawithana, T.W. 1991. Baker’s Yeast Production. In: Yeast Technology. Springer, Dordrecht. 
  4. Flynn, Gerard, and M. R. Adams. An industrial profile of yeast production. Tropical Products Institute (TPI), 1981.
  5. Bekatorou, Argyro, Costas Psarianos, and Athanasios A. Koutinas. Production of food grade yeasts. Food Technol Biotechnol, 2006, 44, 3.

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