If you’re new to the vegan diet, you might be wondering if sourdough culture is vegan or not. Well, you shouldn’t worry about it! Continue reading below to learn why.
Sourdough culture itself is vegan-friendly. Italians have a method of making sourdough called Lievito Madre which uses honey. But other than that, a sourdough culture consists only of two ingredients: flour and water.
What is in a sourdough culture?
Also known as a sourdough starter, a sourdough culture is composed of a mixture of flour and water. It undergoes a fermentation process and produces naturally occurring wild yeast and bacteria. This becomes a leavening agent that will make baked goods rise, and it will also give a distinct sour and tangy flavour.
Does sourdough culture contain dairy?
Sourdough culture and sourdough bread don’t contain dairy products. A sourdough culture only consists of flour and water. While a common sourdough bread only consists of the starter, flour, salt, and water. So it’s best to say that it’s dairy-free.
Can sourdough bread contain dairy?
It’s not the traditional practice, but sourdough bread can also contain dairy products. Some bakers use milk to replace some amounts of water in the recipe. It’s believed that this makes the bread taste richer and the crumb softer and lighter.
Conclusion
Traditionally, sourdough is vegan-friendly. But since some bakers incorporate new products, some bread can be non-vegan. So if you’re a consumer who wants to determine if your buying is a vegan sourdough, read the ingredients. And if it’s not indicated, asking the baker or store staff for it will make you more comfortable.
Frequently asked sourdough starter questions
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Hi, I’m Gareth Busby, a baking coach, head baker and bread-baking fanatic! My aim is to use science, techniques and 15 years of baking experience to help you become a better baker.
