Beware of “Fake” Supermarket Bread: How to Identify Genuine Sourdough

The loaf of sourdough bread purchased from Lidl has been found to be not authentic sourdough, prompting the Real Bread Campaign to successfully convince the supermarket to rename it from Sourdough Rye Crusty Bloomer to Crusty Wheat & Rye Bloomer. This was brought to light by a shopper who discovered that the bread was predominantly made from wheat flour (56 per cent) and contained added baker’s yeast. Chris Young, coordinator for the Real Bread Campaign, emphasized that the loaf was essentially a wheat bread with only a small percentage of rye flour, despite being marketed as “rye.”

This incident is one of many disputes between bakers and consumers regarding sourdough bread authenticity. Genuine sourdough loaves from independent bakeries are pricier than supermarket versions. But how can consumers distinguish between real sourdough and imitation?

According to Young, authentic sourdough is made without added yeast and is created from a live “starter” consisting of water, flour, and salt, left to ferment and cultivate yeast and bacteria. Therefore, any other ingredients listed should raise red flags. Young pointed out that certain bread varieties marketed as sourdough may actually contain added yeast, antioxidants, or ethyl alcohol, making them more similar to white sliced bread than genuine sourdough.

To identify genuine sourdough, consumers should examine the ingredients list for the absence of added yeast, baking powder, or any other artificial rising agents. Additionally, true sourdough should not contain any additives such as ascorbic acid, chemical raising agents, preservatives, or emulsifiers. These additives are an indication of “sourfaux” products, as genuine sourdough is made without any artificial enhancements.

Moreover, consumers can look for The Real Bread Loaf Mark on bread labels, as participating bakers must adhere to an agreement not to use processing aids. While the presence of holes in sourdough bread may lead some to believe they have purchased an authentic loaf, this is not always the case, as the same effect can be replicated using extra yeast.

For those seeking a low-cost solution and guaranteed authenticity, making sourdough at home is the best option. Although it may be more time-consuming than purchasing from a store, Young suggests that making two large loaves and a pizza at home could cost as little as £1.10 for the flour. This ensures that you know exactly what goes into your sourdough, giving you peace of mind and an authentic loaf to enjoy without the risk of “sourfaux.”