Is all Sourdough Created Equal?
If you’ve ever picked up a loaf of "sourdough" bread at the grocery store, flipped it over, and read the ingredient list, you might have been shocked. I recently did just that and was met with a long list of ingredients—many of which I couldn’t even pronounce! Preservatives, dough conditioners, added sugars, and even yeast were all included. Some loaves claiming to be sourdough didn’t even have sourdough starter in them at all.
This begs the question: is all sourdough really sourdough?
What Makes Real Sourdough?
Traditional sourdough is one of the oldest forms of bread-making, dating back thousands of years. Unlike commercial breads, which rely on instant yeast and chemical additives to rise quickly, true sourdough is naturally fermented using a live sourdough starter—a simple combination of flour and water that captures wild yeast and beneficial bacteria from the environment.
Real sourdough should only contain:
✔ Flour
✔ Water
✔ Salt
✔ Sourdough starter
That’s it! No preservatives, no artificial flavors, no commercial yeast. The long fermentation process of true sourdough allows the natural cultures to break down gluten, making it easier to digest and lower in glycemic impact than conventional bread.
The Problem with Store-Bought “Sourdough”
Many grocery store loaves labeled as "sourdough" are not naturally fermented. Instead, they are mass-produced, with commercial yeast and sour flavoring agents added to mimic the tangy taste of real sourdough—without the health benefits. These loaves often contain:
❌ Enriched flours and added sugars
❌ Artificial preservatives for longer shelf life
❌ Dough conditioners to soften texture
❌ Yeast instead of a true fermentation process
The result? A product that might taste somewhat like sourdough but lacks the depth of flavor, gut health benefits, and nutritional integrity of the real thing.
Why I Bake Real Sourdough
At Graceful Collective Sourdough Microbakery, my sourdough is as authentic as it gets—crafted with just four ingredients and fermented for at least 12 hours (often longer!). I take pride in making bread that is not only delicious but also nourishing, gut-friendly, and free from unnecessary additives.
So next time you're shopping, take a second to read the label. Not all sourdough is created equal, but when you choose the real thing, your body will thank you.
Want to taste the difference? Place an order with me this week and experience what real sourdough is supposed to be!