Sourdough is hands down the healthiest type of bread. Made with only three ingredients; flour, water, and salt, sourdough is simple and natural, the way bread should be. However, with the rise in popularity of sourdough, and all of its health benefits, food companies, and grocery stores are jumping on the bandwagon, unfortunately, more and more fake sourdoughs are popping up in grocery stores, and consumers are being tricked into thinking they are getting the real deal. So, let’s discuss these clever marketing tactics, so you know how to spot a fake sourdough, and what to look for instead.
What is real sourdough bread?
Real sourdough bread is a work of art. It takes time, patience, and lots of love. Real sourdough is made by slowly fermenting flour, water, and salt, to create a sourdough starter, or natural leaven, which is then used to make the dough rise. The initial sourdough starter is then kept alive through ongoing feedings for the purpose of leavening additional bread dough in an ongoing manner, and it is the actual process of natural leavening with wild yeast that defines a loaf as sourdough. This is a lengthy multi-stage process that takes days to complete but produces the most natural (and delicious) form of bread.
However, because there is no legal definition of sourdough, there is nothing to stop manufacturers from selling substandard products. Despite the fact that traditional sourdough ingredients are flour, water, and salt, many store-bought versions include added yeast, ascorbic acid, vinegar, and oil. So, although many grocery stores may carry bread labeled “sourdough”, more often than not they are in fact fake sourdough. Real sourdough takes time and large food manufacturers don’t have this time so they will take shortcuts to create products faster and at a cheaper price. Real authentic sourdough costs more than a standard loaf of processed bread, because of the time, effort, and quality ingredients it takes to create it.
How to Spot a Fake Sourdough
The good news is, spotting a fake sourdough is not as complicated as it may seem. In fact, with a little know-how you can easily identify the real deal from the imposters, so here are some of the important things to look for when you are trying to differentiate sourdough from “sourfaux”.
- Includes Simple Ingredients: Real sourdough will only contain three ingredients; flour, water, and salt. On a label, this can include flour, water, salt, and “culture” or “starter” which refers to the natural leaven used to make the bread rise, however, the ingredients should not include anything else.
- Does Not Include Yeast: If you see yeast listed as an ingredient in sourdough, you can be sure that it is not an authentic sourdough. The yeast used in modern baking is a processed food that does not allow for the natural fermentation of the grains, which is what gives sourdough bread its beneficial health properties.
- No Sweetener: Real sourdough does not require any sugar or sweetener to activate the yeast because it uses a natural fermentation process. So, if a sweetener is listed, you can be sure that it is not real sourdough.
- Expires Quickly:It is important to keep in mind that real food goes bad, and sourdough is real food. Therefore, if your sourdough has an expirydate that is weeks or months away, you can be sure it is not an authentic sourdough.
The Bottom Line
The best way to determine if sourdough is real or fake is to read the ingredients. In most cases, you won’t find real sourdough at a grocery store or local supermarket. Big box chains just don’t take the time or have the skills to create and sell authentic sourdough. If you want the real deal, which you should, look for a local bakery, specialty shop, or farmers’ market that specialized in authentic sourdough. Although it may seem like a headache, I can assure you it is well worth the time, cost, and effort to get the real deal.
FAQs
Always read the label.
Genuine sourdough bread is NOT made using additives, baker's yeast (usually listed simply as yeast) or chemical raising agents (eg baking powder). If there isn't a label (or you just fancy a chat) then... Ask the baker / salesperson for a copy of the ingredients list.
How to tell if sourdough is real? ›
Always read the label.
Genuine sourdough bread is NOT made using additives, baker's yeast (usually listed simply as yeast) or chemical raising agents (eg baking powder). If there isn't a label (or you just fancy a chat) then... Ask the baker / salesperson for a copy of the ingredients list.
How can you tell if a sourdough store is real? ›
Check the ingredients. It is most likely to be false sourdough. If it has vinegar, yogurt, citric acid, then it has been artificially soured. If the ingredients are anything other than flour, water, salt, starter and possibly oil, then it is false.
Is Panera sourdough bread real sourdough? ›
Much like Panera's lackluster rewards program, Panera's sourdough is similarly disappointing -- it isn't real sourdough. Sourdough is the oldest enduring type of bread.
Is Aldi's sourdough bread real sourdough? ›
For consumers concerned about artificial ingredients in food, Aldi's sourdough is a solid choice. Per the label, this bread consists of just three main ingredients, which are salt, water, and flour. It's also free of artificial flavoring, preservatives, and colors.
Is grocery store sourdough real sourdough? ›
Despite the fact that traditional sourdough ingredients are flour, water, and salt, many store-bought versions include added yeast, ascorbic acid, vinegar, and oil. So, although many grocery stores may carry bread labeled “sourdough”, more often than not they are in fact fake sourdough.
Is Sam's Club sourdough real sourdough? ›
Member's Mark™ Sourdough bread is made with the highest quality ingredients for an authentic sourdough bread.
What is faux sourdough? ›
It should not contain vinegar, yeast (or baker's yeast), sugar (in any form including barley malt), baking powder or soda, acetic acid, added vitamins and minerals- if you see these ingredients, it's not real sourdough bread.
Do bakeries make real sourdough bread? ›
Some bakeries allow for the rising time needed to make true sourdough bread. Because of the time it takes, prices will be significantly higher than homemade. What is this? Most grocery store bakeries claim to make sourdough, but often include more ingredients than just flour, water and salt.
Is cobs real sourdough? ›
Our authentic Sourdough is one of our most popular breads. So we wanted to give you a little insight into what makes our Sourdough so special.
And if anything, Trader Joe's Sourdough Sliced Bread is above average for store-bought pre-sliced sourdough. It's got just the right amount of tang and sourness, and just the right amount of wheat and barley goodness.
Did Trader Joe's stop selling sourdough? ›
Trader Joe's has discontinued their beloved San Francisco Sourdough bread, a staple in many households.
Is Pepperidge Farm sourdough real? ›
Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Sourdough Bread stays true to the classic recipe you know and love: A delicious, versatile sourdough bread baked with quality ingredients and a touch of sweetness. These thick slices of sandwich bread are soft, yet strong enough to stand up to any sandwich ingredient.
How to choose most authentic grocery store sourdough bread? ›
The inside of the bread should be bubbly and chewy and the bread should have a slightly tangy taste. Real sourdough bread does not contain additives like oil, milk, corn, and dough conditioners. It is made with whole grains and is generally more expensive than regular bread.
Is Dunkin Donuts sourdough real sourdough? ›
Dunkin's sourdough is the real deal and uses 'Baby Bird' starter. The notorious hassle of maintaining a sourdough starter (per King Arthur Flour) means that it hasn't traditionally been a popular method for industrial baking.
How do you know if sourdough is proved? ›
With the “poke test” you put some flour on your finger and poke the dough. If it springs back immediately, it needs more time. If it slowly springs back about halfway it is ready to bake. If it does not spring back it is overproofing and should be bake right away.
How can you tell a good sourdough? ›
Some sourdough breads can be denser in texture, but they should not be wet or gummy. A sourdough loaf made with 500g of good quality bread flour, 50g to 100g of sourdough starter, left to ferment for adequate time, will produce a light, airy loaf with a lacy, open crumb that is not wet or dense in any way.
How can you tell if sourdough is alive? ›
A healthy sourdough starter will have a pleasant smell. It will have a yeasty smell with a bubbly surface. It should not have any discoloration and will rise and fall after it's been fed.
Is Pepperidge Farm sourdough bread real sourdough? ›
Not real sourdough
Real sourdough bread doesn't have yeast added in it like this one does.
