Ingredient

Yeast And Leavening

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Yeast and leavening agents are added to baked goods to create a light and …

What it is

Yeast is a single-celled microorganism, a type of fungus. It is used in baking to make dough rise, a process called leavening. Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is the most common type used in food production.

Why it's used

Yeast and leavening agents are added to baked goods to create a light and airy texture. They produce carbon dioxide gas during fermentation, which causes dough to expand. Common foods include bread, crackers, pizza dough, and some cakes and pastries.

Health notes

Yeast is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a source of B vitamins and protein. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated yeast and its components. While generally safe, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort from yeast products.

Allergen info

Yeast itself is not one of the nine major allergens. However, some yeast-containing products, like bread, may be made with wheat, which is a major allergen and contains gluten.

Products containing Yeast And Leavening

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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.