How to Test If Your Yeast Is Still Good

If you are one to store yeast packets for long periods of time, then you must be curious to know if they are still usable.

Here’s a simple way to proof your yeast. All you will need is sugar and water:

Step 1 - Heat up ½ cup of water to 100°F (37.7°C) and add 1 tsp of sugar

Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can generally tell if the temperature is correct by being able to handle the warm water with your hand. If the water is too hot to touch, then it is too hot for the yeast as well!

Step 2 - Add 2¼ tsp of yeast into the warm sugar water

Stir for about 15 seconds. Set a timer for 10 minutes to let the mixture rise.

Step 3 - Wait 10 minutes for results

After 10 minutes, see if the mixture has risen, bubbles have formed, and check if it gives out a yeast aroma.

These are all good signs and means that your yeast is still good! If it does nothing, that means your yeast is unusable.

Bonus tip: Opened packets of yeast can be stored inside the refrigerator for 3-4 months while closed packets can last years inside.

Time to make bread!

If you try this method out, we hope your yeast is still good so that it saves you a trip to the store. Let us know in the comments below what you are going to make with your yeast or if this method worked for you!