Because I make bread every day, I have found I can save a lot of money by buying yeast in the one-pound packages. The yeast I am using now is made by Fleischmann’s, but several of the “big name” yeast companies also sell these one-pound (or two-pound) packages. This yeast works just fine in the bread machine (3/4 teaspoon of yeast for each cup of flour, or approximately 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 teaspoons if your recipe calls for one envelope of yeast). I use this yeast exactly the same way I used the yeast in the packets and jars, with the same measurements and procedures. There are huge savings to be had here. I just called an area supermarket and got the following prices:

3 1/4-ounce packets: $2.19
that’s $46.72 per pound, or 73 cents per 1/4-ounce
4-ounce jar: $7.09
that’s $28.36 per pound, or just over 44 cents per 1/4-ounce
one-pound package: $3.69
that’s $3.69 per pound, or just under 6 cents per 1/4-ounce

I still have one of the 4-ounce glass jars left from the days when I used to pay the higher prices for yeast, and I keep that jar filled with yeast in the refrigerator. The rest of the one-pound package is double-wrapped and kept in the freezer until the jar needs to be refilled.

I have found that most the chain supermarkets and even the smaller grocery stores carry (or will order) these one-pound packages of yeast. Yeast is also available in two-pound packages, which usually means an even greater savings, but even though I make a lot of bread and use a lot of yeast, and I do keep it in the freezer, I prefer to buy the one-pound packages because of the freshness factor.

Written by Shirley Filed Under: Sensible Frugality, Simple Living


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Comments

Ginny

Yes, I have been doing this for years and can vouch for the savings. I get sticker shock when I happen to look at yeast in the store! I get mine through our local co-op for less than three dollars and I buy six at a time and keep them in the freezer.

Marci

That is a great tip. I too have been doing this for years. If you try the different brands, you can really see a difference sometimes. I know that I can use less SAF than most of the other brands and get the same results. Thanks for sharing.

Beth @ The Natural Mommy

Oh, thank you! I’ll have to look for this next time I’m shopping. I make bread about 2-3 times a week – this will save me a lot of money! And I love your tip about reusing those little glass jars.

Janette

Thank you thank you thank you! I just telephoned the store I do my shopping with and they are going to order the 1-lb bags of yeast for me. This is going to be such a wonderful savings for me!! Thank you so much for sharing. BTW your blog is wonderful!!!!

Adena

Thanks so much for the tip. I am searching ways to be more frugal and I never even realized that you could buy yeast in bulk!! And I just got an offer in the mail to shop without a membership at Sam’s for a day. Guess I know now what I need to buy! Great to know that it lasts pretty much indefinitely in the freezer.

Marilyn

Good to know. I just started making bread with my new bread machine so generously given to me by a dear friend. My next purchase of yeast will be by the pound! Thanks!