What You Should Know About Dunkin's Sourdough Bread - Mashed (2024)

ByRebecca Cherico/

Ever notice how good news often doesn't seem to "count" as news? Politicians saying something and following through? Not worth stopping the presses, apparently. But politicians not doing what they say they will? Contrary to human history and experience, that is considered news. So if you're a Dunkin' hater looking for validation or you're simply not interested in good news, you can scroll right on by. Because the truth about Dunkin's sourdough is pretty wonderful (per Bake Magazine). Remarkable, even, for a chain that has expanded all over the country from its humble origins in Boston(via Boston.com). To appreciate what is so special about this Dunkin' loaf, you need to know a bit about the amazing bread that took the nation by storm during pandemic lockdown: sourdough.

True sourdough uses a spontaneously-forming type of yeast, so it was particularly suited to Covid-induced yeast shortages. To make sourdough starter (an essential component of the eponymous bread), water and flour are blended and allowed to rest until yeast forms on its own, a natural process (via King Arthur Baking). To make the bread, you utilize a portion of the starter, chock-full of its natural yeast, and go from there. You also need to keep the starter going by "feeding" it like a pet; it needs to eat more flour and water every day. This makes it a time-consuming process, best suited to people who are baking bread regularly at home.

Dunkin's sourdough is the real deal and uses 'Baby Bird' starter

What You Should Know About Dunkin's Sourdough Bread - Mashed (2)

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The notorious hassle of maintaining a sourdough starter(per King Arthur Flour) means that it hasn't traditionally been a popular method for industrial baking. As Josh Gomes (who created Dunkin's starter) explained toBake Magazine, "Dunkin's Sourdough Bread is one of the only mass-produced sourdoughs that uses a 'true'sourdough starter. Many other companies that make sourdough bread on a large-scale use either a powdered substance as a base or use sourdough flavoring to flavor their bread."

So Gomes' sourdough is quite an achievement. But as impressive as it may be, it's not exactly shocking given hisserious baking chops: He is one of the few to be named a "Certified Master Baker" by the Retail Bakers of America (perDunkin'). He's also the proud father of "Baby Bird."

In case you were wondering, "Baby Bird" is what Gomes named his starter, whose eating habits — like its namesake — are voracious. It's a good thing for Gomes that he has so many colleagues who can keep that starter alive when he's busy at the oven (per Bake Magazine), because otherwise — with the number of stores Dunkin' has these days — he'd need an awful lot of coffee to keep up. But maybe that's all part of his devious master plan?

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What You Should Know About Dunkin's Sourdough Bread - Mashed (2024)

FAQs

Is Dunkin sourdough bread real sourdough? ›

Dunkin's sourdough is the real deal and uses 'Baby Bird' starter. The notorious hassle of maintaining a sourdough starter (per King Arthur Flour) means that it hasn't traditionally been a popular method for industrial baking.

What is unique about sourdough bread? ›

Sourdough is naturally leavened bread, which means it doesn't use commercial yeast to rise. Instead, it uses a 'starter' – a fermented flour and water mixture that contains wild yeast and good bacteria – to rise. This also produces the tangy flavour and slightly chewy texture you'll find in sourdough.

What is the secret to sourdough bread? ›

The secret to sourdough is simple: water. The more water you add to your dough will affect how open the crumb (bigger holes and softer texture) will be once it's baked.

What are the pros and cons of sourdough bread? ›

Sourdough bread is a great alternative to conventional bread. It's richer in nutrients, less likely to spike your blood sugar, and generally easier to digest. Just remember that sourdough fermentation doesn't degrade gluten completely.

How do you know if sourdough bread is really sourdough? ›

Always read the label. Genuine sourdough bread is NOT made using additives, baker's yeast (usually listed simply as yeast) or chemical raising agents (eg baking powder). If there isn't a label (or you just fancy a chat) then... Ask the baker / salesperson for a copy of the ingredients list.

Is sourdough bread healthy? ›

The Bottom Line. Sourdough has made a comeback—and for good reason. It provides nutrients, including healthy carbs, protein, fiber, iron and vitamins like folic acid. It may help improve digestion, lower chronic disease risk and even promote healthy aging.

Is sourdough good for your gut? ›

Sourdough bread may be easier to digest than white bread for some people. According to some studies, sourdough bread acts as a prebiotic, which means that the fiber in the bread helps feed the “good” bacteria in your intestines. These bacteria are important for maintaining a stable, healthy digestive system.

Does sourdough bread spike blood sugar? ›

Is sourdough bread good for diabetics? Sourdough bread is made through a slow fermentation process, which may cause this type of bread to raise blood sugar more slowly than other breads. As a result, sourdough bread could be a great choice for those with diabetes.

What is the best flour for sourdough bread? ›

The best flour blend for creating a new sourdough starter is 50% whole-meal flour (whole wheat or whole rye) and 50% bread flour or all-purpose flour. I recommend a 50/50 mix of whole wheat flour and bread flour.

Why don't you knead sourdough? ›

When done correctly, stretching and folding sourdough will strengthen the gluten and gently incorporate air into the dough without the need for kneading. It will also give your sourdough loaf a lofty high rise and more open interior crumb.

What makes sourdough taste better? ›

The sourdough starter is the real secret to getting a good fermentation going. Essentially your sourdough starter is old dough, which has already pre-fermented and contains Lactobacillus culture. Lactobacillus culture has a sour taste and is an active culture that lives off natural yeast spores from the air.

Is sourdough bread inflammatory? ›

The best bread to reduce gut inflammation is bread made from whole grains. Refined grains, such as the grains found in white bread and white pasta, are known to increase inflammation across the whole body. Sourdough bread and rye bread are both good options for an anti-inflammatory diet.

Why do people prefer sourdough bread? ›

May be easier to digest

Traditional sourdough undergoes a slow fermentation, the result of which is an increase in the bioavailability of the bread's vitamins and minerals. This process also starts the breakdown of protein (including gluten), making sourdough easier to digest.

Is sourdough bread bad for cholesterol? ›

Fiber, specifically soluble fiber, can help lower bad cholesterol and therefore any bread - including sourdough - that contains a good amount of soluble fiber can help to lower cholesterol. Whole grains contain soluble fiber, so breads made with 100% whole grain flours are the best for cholesterol.

How can you tell if a sourdough store is real? ›

Check the ingredients. It is most likely to be false sourdough. If it has vinegar, yogurt, citric acid, then it has been artificially soured. If the ingredients are anything other than flour, water, salt, starter and possibly oil, then it is false.

Is supermarket sourdough real sourdough? ›

It may have been fermented for longer than standard bread but that does not make it a sourdough. A sourdough is a bread leavened with a sourdough culture, which comprises wild yeasts and lactobacilli bacteria.

Do bakeries make real sourdough bread? ›

Some bakeries allow for the rising time needed to make true sourdough bread. Because of the time it takes, prices will be significantly higher than homemade. What is this? Most grocery store bakeries claim to make sourdough, but often include more ingredients than just flour, water and salt.

Is ace sourdough bread real sourdough? ›

Our ACE Bakery® Sourdough Baguette is made using our signature sourdough recipe, which includes our handcrafted sour starter and a long fermentation period to create a baguette that has a subtle sour flavour, airy interior and a rich dark crust.

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