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Is Sourdough Starter vegan?

Sourdough Starter

Vegan

Sourdough Starter (also known as starter culture or sourdough culture) is a mixture of flour and water inhabited by wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria that leaven bread through fermentation. It is typically made from plant-based ingredients, though some recipes include dairy (e.g. yogurt). Bread leavened with sourdough starter is called sourdough bread.

Also known as Levain, Mother Dough, Sour Culture, Sourdough Culture, Starter Culture
Last reviewed 16 April 2026

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