Ingredient

Mother Yeast

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use mother yeast primarily as a leavening agent in baked goods like bread …

What it is

Mother yeast, also known as sourdough starter, is a live culture of wild yeasts and bacteria. It is made by mixing flour and water and allowing it to ferment over time, capturing naturally occurring microorganisms from the environment.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use mother yeast primarily as a leavening agent in baked goods like bread and pizza crusts. The wild yeasts produce carbon dioxide, which makes dough rise, while the bacteria contribute to a characteristic tangy flavor and chewy texture.

Health notes

Mother yeast is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a natural product of fermentation and is not typically associated with adverse health effects when consumed in typical amounts. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated yeast and yeast products, but specific evaluations for 'mother yeast' as a distinct ingredient may vary. Evidence does not suggest negative health impacts from its use as a leavening agent.

Allergen info

Mother yeast itself is not a major allergen. However, if made with wheat flour, it will contain gluten and may be unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Products containing Mother Yeast

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Raley's Veggie Par-Baked Crust Topped With Mozzarella Cheese, Broccoli, Mushrooms And Sun-Dried Tomatoes Pizza, Veggie Pizza High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 272kcal 10.2Protein 14.3Fat 26.5Carbs Raley's Cheese Par-Baked Crust Topped With Mozzarella Cheese And Tomato Sauce Pizza, Cheese Crusts & Dough 288kcal 10.3Protein 15.1Fat 28.1Carbs Raley's Combo Meat Par-Baked Crust Topped With Mozzarella Cheese, Sausage, Mushrooms And Pepperoni Pizza, Combo Meat Pizza High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 280kcal 11.3Protein 16.1Fat 23.2Carbs Raley's Pepperoni Par-Baked Crust Topped With Mozzarella Cheese And Pepperoni Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 311kcal 11.5Protein 17.6Fat 27.7Carbs Raley's Chicken Pesto Par-Baked Crust Topped With Mozzarella Cheese, Chicken, Artichoke, Turkey Bacon And Pesto Pizza, Chicken Pesto Pizza High in sodium — 24% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 307kcal 12.9Protein 17.1Fat 26.4Carbs Raley's Veggie Par-Baked Crust Topped With Mozzarella Cheese, Broccoli, Mushrooms And Sun-Dried Tomatoes Pizza, Veggie Other Deli High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 272kcal 10.2Protein 14.3Fat 26.5Carbs Raley's Chicken Pesto Par-Baked Crust Topped With Mozzarella Cheese, Chicken, Artichoke, Turkey Bacon And Pesto Pizza, Chicken Pesto Other Deli High in sodium — 24% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 307kcal 12.9Protein 17.1Fat 26.4Carbs Agricola Uncured Pepperoni Pizza, Uncured Pepperoni Other Deli High in sodium — 88% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 71% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 154kcal 7.1Protein 7.6Fat 15.6Carbs Raley's Combo Meat Par-Baked Crust Topped With Mozzarella Cheese, Mushrooms, Sausage And Pepperoni Pizza, Combo Meat Other Deli High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 280kcal 11.3Protein 16.1Fat 23.2Carbs Raley's Cheese Par-Baked Crust Topped With Tomato Sauce And Mozzarella Cheese Pizza, Cheese Other Deli 288kcal 10.3Protein 15.1Fat 28.1Carbs Raley's Pepperoni Par-Baked Crust Topped With Mozzarella Cheese And Pepperoni Pizza, Pepperoni Other Deli High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 311kcal 11.5Protein 17.6Fat 27.7Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.