During a global pandemic, with shoppers panic-buying or DIYers taking up comforting hobbies like gardening and baking bread, there are bound to be supply shortages. We’ve seen it with tomato seeds and even yeast for baking. In the early weeks of stay-at-home-orders throughout the US, Nielsen market research indicated a 41% increase in dry yeast sales over 2019 sales.
Bread baking for beginners
Making bread without yeast
If you’re having a difficult time finding yeast in your grocery store, quick bread may be the way to go. Banana bread is just one quick bread you can make without yeast. A quick bread uses another leavening agent in lieu of yeast or eggs — usually baking soda or baking powder. Beer bread, zucchini bread, and even an ice cream bread are simple examples of easy, quick bread recipes you can make without yeast.
Fleischmann’s Yeast Company operates three yeast production processing plants in the US. John Heilman, the vice president of yeast manufacturing, says that the company’s buffer inventory was depleted quickly due to unprecedented demand.
“We are not leaving any stone unturned to put the supply back into the pipeline,” Heilman told USA Today. He estimates it will take up to two months to get grocery store shelves restocked.
Not only has yeast been in short supply, but shoppers are also finding store shelves low on flour as well. A historical mill in the UK even started producing flour again after ending commercial production in 1970. The Sturminster Newton Mill, now a working museum steeped in 1,000 years of history, is taking this opportunity to give back to the local community.
If finding flour has been difficult for you, and you don’t live near a working mill, there is hope. Keto-friendly bread recipes work if you have a flour substitute on hand for your bread baking.
