Some yeast is gluten-free and some is not.
As always, the safest thing to do is buy yeast that is labeled gluten-free. If you have questions about a specific product, call the manufacturer to learn more about their processes.
What is Yeast?
Yeast refers to a type of fungus with over 1,500 species. Yeasts are most often used to ferment breads and alcohols. Humans have a long history with yeast—we’ve been using it to cook and bake for thousands of years!
Because yeast is commonly associated with bread and beer, people with celiac disease often question whether it is safe for them to eat. The answer is a bit complicated: yeast is a fungus, so it is naturally gluten-free, but yeasts often come into cross-contact with wheat and barley, which can make it unsafe.
However, the most common kinds of yeast used for baking, like baker’s yeast and active dry yeast, are usually gluten-free. For more information about various yeasts, read on.
Gluten-Free Yeasts
Is Baker’s Yeast Gluten-Free?
Yes, baker’s yeast is gluten-free. Baker’s yeast is commonly used in breads. Both active dry yeast and instant yeast are considered types of baker’s yeast.
Is Active Dry Yeast Gluten-Free?
Yes, active dry yeast is gluten-free.
Is Instant Yeast Gluten-Free?
Yes, instant yeast is gluten-free. Instant yeast is similar to active yeast, but can be directly added to dry ingredients in a recipe, rather than having to be dissolved in water first.
Is Autolyzed Yeast Gluten-Free?
Yes, autolyzed yeast is gluten-free. Carefully read the label because, even though autolyzed yeast is gluten-free, “autolyzed yeast extract” is often made from barley and is not gluten-free.
Yeasts That May Contain Gluten
Is Yeast Extract Gluten-Free?
It depends. Yeast extract and autolyzed yeast extract may contain gluten from barley. Manufacturers are not required to disclose the source of yeast extract on the ingredients label, so you should only use yeast extract that is labeled gluten-free or confirmed gluten-free by the manufacturer.
Gluten-Containing Yeasts (Unsafe)
Is Brewer’s Yeast Gluten-Free?
Brewer’s yeast, also called saccharomyces cerevisiae, is not gluten-free. Most brewer’s yeast is a byproduct of the beer brewing process and contains gluten from the barley used to make beer.
There are some brands of brewer’s yeast created using sugar beets that can be gluten-free, but in general you should not use brewer’s yeast unless it is labeled gluten-free.
You can read more about brewer’s yeast in our webinar Dispelling Gluten-Free Labeling and Ingredients Myths.
Is Spent Brewer’s Yeast Gluten-Free?
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or brewer’s yeast, is commonly used to ferment foods and beverages, including beer. After it’s used, it becomes deactivated—”spent” brewer’s yeast. In and of itself, it does not contain gluten, but if it was used to make beer, it will have come into contact with gluten, and isn’t safe for anyone with celiac disease or on a gluten-free diet.
Can I Eat Bread Made with Yeast?
It depends on the kind of yeast and the other ingredients in the bread. Bread made with baker’s yeast is gluten-free so long as the other ingredients used are also gluten-free. Many gluten-free breads are made with yeast and are safe for people with celiac disease to eat.