If you have a recipe that calls for one packet of yeast, and you have no idea how much yeast is in a packet, it can be very frustrating! The short answer is that it depends on what type of yeast you are measuring. Here are all the details you need to know.
How to Measure Yeast to Replace One Packet
You can measure yeast by weight or volume. If you have a scale, the most exact way to measure yeast to replace a packet is in ounces or grams.
A packet of active dry yeast or instant yeast weighs 0.25 ounces which is 7 grams or 11 ml.
The most accurate way to measure yeast is to use a food scale that measures grams.
If you want to measure by volume, it’s about 2½ teaspoons of active dry yeast and just two teaspoons of instant yeast because this form is more compacted.
You should make sure that the type of yeast you have matches the type of yeast called for in the recipe.
Types of Yeast
Depending on where you live, you can buy yeast in several different forms. Yeast comes in packets as active dry yeast or instant yeast and in blocks as fresh yeast.
You can buy Instant Yeast, Bread Machine Yeast, or Active Dry Yeast in a jar.
Yeast is also available in bulk, in cake form, at warehouse stores and specialty stores.
Any of these yeast types can be used interchangeably in recipes as long as you understand how to measure the yeast.
What Is Active Dry Yeast?
Active dry yeast is a living organism. This yeast is dehydrated during the packaging process, making it dormant.
To use active dry yeast in a recipe, it should be rehydrated in warm water according to the recipe. In the U.S., this is the commonly available yeast at local grocery stores.
What Is Instant Yeast?
This form of yeast is also processed and dormant, but the drying process is done much more quickly, and the yeast granules are smaller.
You can use instant yeast directly in your recipe without soaking it in water first. It is an easier product to use. Instant yeast may also be called quick-rise yeast or fast-acting yeast.
Fast-rising, rapid-rise, quick-rise, or bread machine yeast are all forms of instant yeast and should be measured the same.
What Is Fresh Yeast?
Fresh yeast is a mixture of yeast and water that was centrifugated and formed into a solid block. It lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and is much harder to find compared to dried yeast.
Professional bakers favor fresh yeast for its better “rise” quality and improved flavor.
Another advantage of fresh yeast is its ability to stay active for longer compared to all kinds of dry yeast. This makes it a superior choice for doughs that need a longer proving time.
Are Active Dry and Instant Yeast Interchangeable?
Yes. You can use these two types of yeast interchangeably in recipes as long as you understand that Instant Yeast is more compact.
That means if you don’t have a packet and you are measuring the yeast yourself you need less instant yeast than active dry yeast and vice versa.
If you have instant yeast on hand, it doesn’t even need to be proofed in warm water!
How Is Yeast Used In Baking
Yeast is a living organism that consumes sugar in recipes. When yeast consumes sugar, a waste product is created. This process is called fermentation and introduces CO2 into the dough.
The CO2 causes the dough to expand, creating the beautiful rise and crumb characteristic of yeast breads and baked goods. As the dough is baked, the yeast dies off, leaving behind tiny pockets of space in the bread.
Yeast should be measured carefully so that your bread is neither dense nor excessively puffy. Bread with too much yeast tastes off and can fail. It is important to know exactly how much yeast is in a packet so that you include the correct amount of yeast in your recipe.
How Many Tablespoons Are In A Packet Of Yeast?
One packet of yeast is between 2 and 2.5 teaspoons, so a packet of yeast does not contain a full tablespoon which would be 3 teaspoons.
How Many Teaspoons Of Yeast In A Packet?
This depends on the type of yeast. Active dry yeast is different than instant yeast. If you want active dry yeast, it is two and a half teaspoons. If you want instant yeast, it is two teaspoons.
| Packets of Yeast (Active Dry Yeast) | Teaspoons | Grams | Tablespoons | Ounces |
| One Packet | 2.5 | 7 | <1 | .25 |
| Two Packets | 5 | 14 | 1 ⅔ | .5 |
| Three Packets | 7.5 | 21 | 2 ½ | .75 |
| Packets of Yeast (Instant Yeast) | Teaspoons | Grams | Tablespoons | Ounces |
| One Packet | 2 | 7 | <1 | .25 |
| Two Packets | 4 | 14 | 1 ⅓ | .5 |
| Three Packets | 6 | 21 | 2 | .75 |
How Many Grams Are In One Packet Of Yeast?
If you live in the United States, you may not have considered measuring in grams. If you live outside the U.S., you may be tired of converting recipes from packets of yeast to grams. One packet of yeast is 7 grams.
A food scale set to grams is a fantastic way to measure precisely. Set a container on your scale and zero it out, then scoop yeast into the container until the scale reads 7 grams. That’s how much yeast is in a packet.
How Much Fresh Yeast Is In A Block?
In the U.S. fresh yeast is usually available in 0.6 and 2-ounce packages and it’s always stored in the refrigerated section.
How To Substitute Dry Yeast For Fresh Yeast
Being more moist, fresh yeast is not as concentrated as dry yeast, so you’ll need to use more.
To replace instant yeast, use 3 times more fresh yeast, and 2.5 times more if you want to substitute active dry yeast. These ratios guarantee you’ll get the same rise for your loaf!
Based on the formulas above, we did a quick conversion table so you’ll have an easier time making the swap.
| Type Of Yeast | Grams | Ounces | Teaspoons | Fresh Yeast (grams) | Fresh Yeast (blocks) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Yeast (1 packet) | 7 g | ¼ oz | 2 ¼ tsp | 21 g | 1 ¼ (0.6-ounce) blocks ½ (2-ounce) block |
| Instant Yeast (1 teaspoon) | 3 g | – | 1 tsp | – | ½ (0.6-ounce) block |
| Active Dry Yeast (1 packet) | 7 g | ¼ oz | 2 ¼ tsp | 17.5 g | 1 (0.6-ounce) block ⅓ (2-ounce) block |
| Active Dry Yeast (1 teaspoon) | 2.83 g | – | ⅓ tsp | – | ⅓ (0.6-ounce) block |
Tip: When you’re having trouble converting between different measuring units or doing recipe adjustments use our free printable kitchen conversion charts.
Common Mistakes When Measuring Yeast
Check the expiration date. Yeast that is close to the expiration date should be proofed in warm liquid before use. Warm some of the liquid used in the recipe to less than 140ºF and add the yeast with a small amount of sugar from the recipe. Stir. Wait a few minutes and make sure the water gets frothy before using the yeast mixture in your recipe. If your water is 140ºF or hotter, it will kill the yeast instead of allowing it to flourish.
If yeast is close to its expiration date it should always be proofed regardless of whether or not it is instant yeast or active dry yeast. Yeast that is fully expired should be discarded and replaced.
If yeast is sticky from moisture, has fuzz or mold growing on it, or shows any signs of age it should not be used.
Yeast in a jar should be refrigerated once the seal on the jar has been broken. Instant yeast that has been opened and not refrigerated is suspect and should be proofed before use in recipes.
How To Measure Yeast Precisely
Now that you know how much yeast is in a packet, you need to know how to properly measure yeast for successful baking.
Here’s how to measure yeast using a utensil.
- Hold your measuring utensil level.
- If you are measuring teaspoons of yeast, scoop yeast out of the container and then level the teaspoon by scraping a knife across the surface to remove excess yeast.
- You can hold it over the jar so that most of the yeast goes right back into the jar. Don’t hold it over your mixing bowl.
Here’s how to measure yeast using a scale.
- First, switch your scale to your unit of choice: either ounces or grams.
- Next, place a small container on the scale and zero it out.
- Then, carefully pour or scoop yeast into the container until you have the desired amount.
How To Store Yeast
You have to appreciate active yeast! In the pantry, your packets of active dry yeast can last up to a year, regardless of the expiration date printed on the label.
Over time, it loses some of its potency so give it a quick test in warm water before using it.
Active dry yeast in a jar does better in a cooler environment. Once opened, keep it in the fridge and it will last up to the printed expiration date.
In a cool, dry spot, instant yeast can last up to 2 years. Open packets with leftovers should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge. It will still last a long time!
Fresh yeast is a short-lived family member as it stays good only for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. For a more accurate timeline, check the expiration date.
Favorite Recipes Using Yeast
Don’t feel intimidated by the world of baking! The secret is to measure the ingredients precisely and follow the instructions.
If you never made anything with yeast before, I recommend you start with this Dutch oven no-knead bread recipe. I noticed kneading is the part that discourages people the most and this bread turns out great without it!
You will simply need to prep the dough a day before you bake the loaf. The longer proving time (16-24 hours) takes care of the kneading for us. It will also help develop a richer flavor so your loaf will be extra tasty.
It uses instant yeast, so you don’t even need to activate it before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Once you’ve taken the first step, try these recipes to experiment with active dry yeast:
When you need a super fast bread recipe, these Instant Pot Kings Hawaiian Rolls are life savers. For this recipe, you’ll need to fast-proof the dough in the Instant Pot on the yogurt setting. It’s brilliant and it works!
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F.A.Q.
If you are making a loaf of bread that calls for one tablespoon of yeast, you will need to purchase two packets of yeast, and then pour it into a container and measure it.
You will not need all of both packets. See the charts at the top of this post to get precise conversions.
Yeast packets have gotten smaller over time as manufacturers managed to improve yeast’s properties and potency. The new yeast packets are equivalent to 2 ¼ teaspoons or 7 grams.
Older recipes might call for 1 tablespoon or 1 packet of active dry yeast, and they are referring to the now-replaced larger yeast packets.
Water at 140°F or higher will eradicate yeast completely which will cause dough not to rise.
The ideal temperature range to encourage the fermentation process is water at 81° to 100°F. For the best results, aim for your water to be at 95°F.
Hi!
Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.
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