🤔 Why Do Different Yeasts Need Different Amounts?
It's all about water content and how concentrated the yeast cells are! Think of it like comparing a fresh orange to orange juice powder:
Fresh Yeast
70% water - like a fresh orange
Contains lots of water, so you need more by weight to get the same number of active yeast cells
Active Dry
5% water - partially dried
Most of the water removed, so more concentrated. Needs to "wake up" in warm water first
Instant Yeast
5% water - super fine powder
Most concentrated! Tiny particles dissolve instantly - no need to wake them up in water
💡 Simple rule: Fresh yeast has lots of water weight. Dry yeasts are concentrated, so you need less. Instant is the most concentrated of all!
Common Package Sizes 📦
| Package | Fresh | Active Dry | Instant |
|---|---|---|---|
| One packet ⭐ | 14g | 7g | 5.6g |
| Small cake | 17g | 8.5g | 6.8g |
| Large block | 28g (1 oz) | 14g (2 packets) | 11.2g |
💡 Most common: One packet of active dry yeast (7g) is perfect for one loaf of bread using about 500g flour.
Grams to Teaspoons Chart
Quick reference: 1 teaspoon of dry yeast (active or instant) weighs about 3 grams. Fresh yeast is denser at 8 grams per teaspoon.
Which Yeast Should You Use?
Fresh Yeast
What it is: Moist, crumbly blocks (like soft cheese)
Storage: Keep in fridge, use within 2 weeks
How to use: Crumble into warm water or directly into flour
Best for: Professional bakers, artisan breads
💡 Gives the best flavor but hardest to find
Active Dry Yeast
What it is: Small dry granules (like coarse sand)
Storage: Cool, dry place for up to 2 years
How to use: Must wake up in warm water (5-10 min)
Best for: Traditional bread recipes
💡 Most common type in US supermarkets
Instant Yeast
What it is: Fine powder (like flour)
Storage: Cool, dry place for up to 2 years
How to use: Mix directly with flour - no waiting!
Best for: Quick breads, pizza dough, bread machines
💡 Fastest and easiest to use!
Common Questions 💬
How do I convert 2 grams of yeast to teaspoons?
2 grams = ⅔ teaspoon
Since 1 teaspoon weighs about 3 grams, 2 grams is two-thirds of a teaspoon.
💡 How to measure: Fill a teaspoon, then remove about one-third.
How do I convert fresh yeast to dry yeast?
Use half the amount!
- 20g fresh = 10g active dry
- 40g fresh = 20g active dry
- 50g fresh = 25g active dry
💡 For instant yeast: Use 40% of the fresh amount (divide by 2.5)
Can I substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast?
Yes, but use 20-25% less
Examples:
- 1 tsp active dry = ¾ tsp instant
- 1 tbsp active dry = 2¼ tsp instant
- 7g active dry = 5.6g instant
💡 Bonus: Instant yeast doesn't need to wake up in water - mix it right into your flour!
What's in one packet of yeast?
One standard packet contains:
- 7 grams or ¼ ounce
- 2¼ teaspoons
This equals:
- 5.6g instant yeast (about 2 tsp)
- 14g fresh yeast
Tips for Success ⭐
Mix with warm water and a pinch of sugar. Should get foamy in 5-10 minutes. No foam? Use fresh yeast!
Keep dry yeast in the fridge or freezer after opening. Fresh yeast must stay cold and be used within 2 weeks.
Too hot kills yeast (above 140°F). Too cold slows it down. Aim for lukewarm (like baby bathwater)!
Fresh yeast works fastest. Instant is quick. Active dry is slowest. Times may vary by 15-30%.
Lots of butter, sugar, or eggs slow yeast down. Add 25% more yeast or allow longer rise time.
You can always wait longer for the dough to rise. But too much yeast creates a weird taste!
Brush with egg wash before baking for that bakery shine. Need precise measurements? Check our egg weight guide.