Be good to your yeast, and it will perform well in your bread! Don’t forget that yeast is a living organism, and its freshness and shelf life are dependent on how the yeast is stored. Dry yeast will lose its leavening power if exposed to air, moisture or heat, even when it is still in a sealed jar or package. Learning the correct way to store your yeast will keep it fresher longer.
Shelf Life Information
For best results, use the yeast prior to the best if used by date stamped on the package. This date is 2 years from the date the yeast was packaged.
The small packets and jars are flushed with nitrogen at the time of packaging to remove oxygen.
For jars, prior to opening, a plastic tamper ring should be secure around the lid of the jar. Since the jars are not vacuum packed, there may not be a ‘pop’ when the jar is opened.
Reading Expiration Dates and Lot Codes
0.25 ounce Packet Example (U.S): OCT 2022 00200
Best if Used by Date is October 2022. Manufacturing Lot Code is 00200
8g Packet Example (Canada): 22 MR 03 0063 09:52
Best if Used by date is March 3rd, 2022. Manufacturing Lot Code is 0063 09:52
4 ounce Jar Example: JUN 2022 00304
Best if Used by Date is June 2022. Manufacturing Lot Code is 00304
Large 16 ounce Saf-Instant Yeast Example:
Production Date is 11 · 20, ie November 2020
Best if Used by Date is 11· 22, ie November 2022
Manufacturing Lot Code is 732693
Storage Tips
Red Star® Quick-Rise™ Instant Yeast is a living organism and must be handled properly to ensure optimum performance. Never expose yeast to high temperatures during storage or use.
- Store unopened jars and packages at room temperature, away from heat sources.
- Dry yeast may also be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Opened jars must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. If refrigerated, use within four months. If frozen, use within six months.
- If you have yeast remaining in an opened packet, fold the opening over itself to the level of the yeast (to keep it airtight). Secure it with tape or a clip. Refrigerate or freeze and use within four weeks.
For best results, dry yeast should be at room temperature before using. Prior to use, take out only the amount you need and bring to room temperature for about 20 – 30 minutes. Immediately reseal the jar or package and return the remaining yeast to the refrigerator or freezer. Dry yeast will never freeze solid.
If you are unsure about the activity of your yeast, test it using ourYeast Activity Test.
‘Bulk’ Yeast Information and Storage Tips
The large 16 ounce packages of instant yeast are part of our industrial product line and typically used in bakeries or foodservice. The package is vacuum-packed and should be hard like a brick prior to opening.
Once the package is opened, the yeast is free-flowing and must be stored airtight and cold to maintain its leavening power. You may store it in an airtight container, or many people store it in zipper freezer bags, squeezing air out of the bag to the level of the yeast, then sealing the bag. The yeast should be stored in the freezer. Since it is so dry, it will never freeze solid.
For best results, dry yeast should be at room temperature before using. Prior to use, measure or weigh only the amount you need and bring to room temperature for about 20 – 30 minutes. Immediately reseal the bag or container and return the remaining yeast to the freezer.
