Ingredients - Federation of Bakers (2024)

In addition to the four main ingredients used to make bread – flour, salt, yeast and water – there are often small quantities of other ingredients which are added to improve the texture, crumb structure and keeping properties of the bread. All ingredients in bread will be clearly listed on the wrapper.

Fat

Non-hydrogenated vegetable fat is used in very small quantities. This helps to keep the bread soft over life.

Flour Treatment Agents

Ascorbic acid (E300 otherwise know as Vitamin C) is the most commonly used flour treatment agent used in breadmaking. It is used to strengthen the dough and has a beneficial effect on the volume, crumb structure and softness of the bread. Some bakers also use L-cysteine Hydrochloride (E920) exclusively from vegetarian sources.

Emulsifiers

All emulsifiers are based on vegetable oils. They are used to provide dough stability in addition to improving loaf volume and crumb structure, and in maintaining softness:

  • E471: Mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids
  • E472(e): Mono- and di-acetyltartaric acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids
  • E481: Sodium stearoyl-2 lactylate
  • E482: Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate
  • E322: Lecithin

Enzymes

Enzymes may be added to the bread dough to supplement the enzymes naturally present in the flour and minimize variations caused by environmental factors such as climate and soil quality. Enzymes are destroyed by heat. They are therefore regarded as processing aids and, in accordance with EU legislation, are not required to be labelled in the list of ingredients.

Preservatives

Preservatives, such as acetic acid (vinegar), are often used in commercial baking to ensure the freshness of the product.

Soya Flour

Soya flour is milled from un-cooked soya beans. It works with the oxygen in the air to strengthen the dough, to provide support and structure to the loaf during baking. It also helps provide a creamy, ‘bready’ flavour.

Often, some of these ingredients are combined into so-called ‘bread improvers’; these are easily dispensable blends of key minor functional ingredients (such as fat, flour treatment agents, emulsifiers, enzymes, soya) required to enhance (“improve”) the flour. Each bread improver is designed to match a flour with a process, and is product specific.

Ingredients - Federation of Bakers (2024)

FAQs

Ingredients - Federation of Bakers? ›

BFP is a traditional method. Ingredients are mixed together to form a dough and left to ferment for up to three hours. During fermentation the dough changes from a short dense mass into an elastic dough. The time taken to reach this state largely depends on the amount of yeast and the dough temperature.

What is the BFP method? ›

BFP is a traditional method. Ingredients are mixed together to form a dough and left to ferment for up to three hours. During fermentation the dough changes from a short dense mass into an elastic dough. The time taken to reach this state largely depends on the amount of yeast and the dough temperature.

What is E471 in bread? ›

Emulsifiers in bread:

Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471): often derived from plant oils or animal fats, E471 may have some negative health effects, including an increased risk of heart disease and weight gain. Furthermore, their production contributes to deforestation and habitat loss.

Does bakery bread contain preservatives? ›

Propionic acid, as well as its salt, are the most widely used chemical preservatives in bread [7]. It helps prevent mold deterioration and bread ropiness that occurs due to B. subtilis. However, they are continually investigated due to the possibility of developing chronic non-communicable diseases [75].

What does the BFP stand for? ›

BFP: Big fat positive. This refers to a positive home pregnancy test — typically, two parallel lines or two lines that form a plus sign, depending on your brand of test. BFN: Big fat negative. This refers to a negative home pregnancy test — typically one line on a stark white background.

What does BFP mean in weight? ›

The body fat percentage of an organism is the total mass of its fat divided by its total body mass, multiplied by 100; body fat includes essential body fat and storage body fat.

What is the strongest flour? ›

Bread Flour: With a protein content of 12 to 14 percent, bread flour is the strongest of all flours, providing the most structural support.

What is the muffin method? ›

The purpose of this method is to limit the amount of gluten production during the mixing process, keeping quick breads light and tender. To achieve this, the dry ingredients are combined in one bowl, the wet ingredients are combined in a separate bowl, and then the two mixtures are combined together.

What is E322 in food? ›

Lecithin is authorised as a food additive in the EU under the E-number E322. Lecithin is used in food as an emulsifier, instantiser, antioxidant and flavour protector, often providing a finishing touch that brings quality and excellence to many food products.

Can Muslims eat E471? ›

Hi, e471 is a food additive made from either animal fat or plant. it can and has been made from pork fat which would mean it was forbidden for Muslims (and those of the jewish faith) to consume. if made from beef fat, or from plants it can be considered permissible.

What is E920? ›

E920 food additive is called L-Cysteine, which is a proteinogenic amino acid contributing to building protein and includes the element sulphur. L-cysteine is a semi-essential amino acid. It is manufactured in the body but may be essential for infants and aging population as well as those metabolic disorders.

What is the least processed bread to buy? ›

Wholegrain and dark rye breads are less processed than white breads, for example, and they tend to have more nutrients. Ezekiel breads and authentic sourdoughs are also great options. Overall, pay close attention to ingredients labels, and make sure you know exactly what you're getting.

What ingredients should you avoid when buying bread? ›

Other breads rely on chemicals and preservatives, here are some of the worst kinds:
  • Potassium bromate is a common oxidizing agent used to strengthen dough and improve rising. ...
  • Azodicarbonamide improves dough texture and strength.
  • Partially Hydrogenated Oil is used to make breads resistant to oxidation and spoilage.

What is the best natural preservative for bread? ›

Lecithin is a natural preservative that comes from soy or egg yolks. Adding lecithin to your regular loaf of bread helps keep it fluffy and light. At the same time, it acts as a natural preservative for your bread. Powdered ascorbic acid is another well-known natural food preservative used in bread.

What are the 8 types of baking ingredients? ›

These basic ingredients for baking a cake are; flour, eggs, fat (usually butter), sugar, salt, a form of liquid (usually milk), and leavening agents (such as baking soda).

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