Buying Sourdough Bread? One Ingredient Could Reveal a ‘Fake’ Loaf

Sourdough has become one of the most trusted words in the bread aisle, often carrying the promise of slow fermentation, deeper flavour and a more traditional baking process. But not every loaf using the word “sourdough” is made in the way shoppers imagine.

The key detail is usually hidden in the ingredients list. If a loaf marketed as sourdough contains added baker’s yeast, it may be closer to a fast commercial bread with sourdough flavour than a genuinely slow-fermented loaf.