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Lesaffre Yeast, Improvers & Mixes

Did you know that one in every three loaves of bread eaten in the world today contains Lesaffre yeast? Lesaffre offer a diverse number of functional baking ingredients and mixes, a complete range of sourdoughs and hundreds of specialist yeasts. Lesaffre offers a wealth of experience in each of these fields to bakers all over the world.

In 1853, Louis Lesaffre and Louis Bonduelle, two farmer’s sons from northern France, got together to build a plant producing alcohol from grain and juniper berries at Marquette-lez-Lille. Originally, yeast was nothing more than a by-product of the process for manufacturing alcohol from grain.

It wasn't until 1871 that the Austrian Baron Max von Springer, owner of an excellent distillery at Maisons-Alfort, introduced from Vienna the idea of extracting yeast from the grain fermentation wort and selling it to bakers. Up until that time, bakers had used their own sourdough, sometimes accompanied by residual brewery yeast. The following year, Lesaffre and Bonduele developed the process of manufacturing fresh yeast at Marcq-en-Baroeul, with the operation being housed in a former mill.

Today we have access to a vast range of yeasts, from DCL Fresh Yeast to Lesaffre Saf-Instant® Instant Dry Yeast (IDY) and Active Dry Yeast (ADY).

Buy Lesaffre Yeast, Lesaffre Saf-Instant® and DCL Fresh Yeast Yeast at Ratton Pantry.

About Lesaffre and DCL yeast

Lesaffre's fermentation history began in northern France in 1853. The group later focused on yeast and malt, and in 1973 launched Saf-Instant, one of the earliest instant dry yeasts developed for bakers.

Ratton Pantry's combined Lesaffre and DCL collection brings together fresh, active dry and instant yeasts for bread, pizza and enriched dough, in home, craft and professional formats.

Yeast for different doughs and kitchens

Saf-Instant Red is the general-purpose instant choice for many lean doughs, while Saf-Instant Gold is osmotolerant and intended for higher-sugar recipes. SAF-Pizza is tailored to pizza applications, and active dry yeast offers a different preparation method.

DCL fresh yeast serves bakers who prefer a traditional refrigerated format, while larger dry-yeast packs provide storage and handling advantages in busy kitchens.

Ratton Pantry

Why we stock Lesaffre and DCL

We stock this range because yeast choice affects fermentation reliability, timing and suitability for the dough. A lean pizza dough, a sweet enriched dough and a bakery using fresh yeast do not necessarily need the same product.

The collection also lets home bakers and professional customers buy a format appropriate to their turnover, provided storage instructions are followed carefully.

Choosing the right Lesaffre or DCL yeast

Choose a general-purpose instant yeast such as Saf-Instant Red for many breads and pizzas. Choose Gold for sweeter, osmotically demanding doughs, and consider SAF-Pizza for a pizza-specific instant option.

Choose active dry yeast when your formula and process call for rehydration, or DCL fresh yeast when you prefer refrigerated fresh yeast and can use it within its shorter storage window.

Yeasts are not always substituted one-for-one. Follow the recipe and product instructions, adjust quantities correctly and protect opened dry yeast from air and moisture.

Questions & answers

Lesaffre Yeast, Improvers & Mixes FAQs

What is the difference between instant, active dry and fresh yeast?

Instant yeast can usually be mixed directly with flour. Active dry yeast is commonly rehydrated before use, while fresh yeast is moist, refrigerated and has a shorter shelf life. Follow the instructions for the specific product and recipe.

What is Saf-Instant Red yeast best for?

Saf-Instant Red is the general-purpose choice for lean and moderately enriched doughs such as many breads and pizzas.

When should I use Saf-Instant Gold osmotolerant yeast?

Gold is designed for doughs with higher sugar levels, where ordinary yeast activity can be inhibited. It is useful for sweet and richly enriched bakery products.

What is SAF-Pizza yeast?

SAF-Pizza is an instant dry yeast developed for pizza dough and is intended to support extensibility and consistent fermentation in pizza applications.

Does Ratton Pantry stock fresh yeast as well as dry yeast?

Yes. The collection includes DCL fresh yeast as well as Lesaffre instant and active dry yeasts. Storage needs and pack sizes differ, so check the individual listing.

How should opened dry yeast be stored?

Reseal it carefully to protect it from air and moisture, then follow the pack's storage instructions. For large packs, good storage discipline is particularly important to preserve activity.