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$13.99
Our on-staff fermenters offer support whenever you need a hand. Get in touch.
If anything goes wrong with your culture, we'll send you a free replacement, though we don't think you'll need one. See our culture guarantee.
Enjoy free standard shipping on eligible U.S. orders over $49.99. See shipping details.
Not what you expected? We offer 60-day, no-hassle returns. See our returns policy.
Never baked? Tried and flopped? You’re not starting alone. A proven starter. Clear steps. A support team one message away. Enjoy and share that first warm slice.
EVERY CULTURE WE MAKE IS FOOD-SAFETY TESTED.
A MOM’S REASON. OUR STANDARD SINCE 2002.
Cultures for Health was founded in 2002 by a single mom who wanted to feed her children the best food she could.
That care still shapes what we make. Food-safety testing is a meaningful investment, and one we keep making for the families who bring our cultures home.
Start something good in your kitchen →
From packet to proud-of-it.
Sourdough takes a little patience, not a new personality. Here’s the path.
Add flour and water, then follow the included activation guide. Give the culture time to become active before baking.
Follow a sourdough recipe using your active starter. You bring the ingredients and oven; we bring the guide and support.
Keep some starter, feed it, and keep baking. Bread today. Pizza, pancakes, or a new favorite next.
ONE STARTER. ENDLESS BAKES.
Once your heirloom starter is active, it lives on your counter forever. Here are the 3 recipes our community bakes first:
01The iconic loaf: blistered crust, airy crumb, and that signature tangy San Francisco flavor.
Get the recipe →
02Naturally fermented for deeper flavor, crispy edges, and easy digestion on pizza night.
Get the recipe →
03Turn starter discard into tender, fluffy weekend breakfast pancakes in under 20 minutes.
Get the recipe →A little reassurance goes a long way.
Get started with 60-day, no-hassle returns. And whenever you have a sourdough question, our on-staff fermenters are here to help. Next week, next month, or next year.
See our guarantee →San Francisco-Style Sourdough Starter$13.99
United StatesI activated this the day I received it and it took right off! It smells awesome and I will be making my first San Francisco sourdough bread tomorrow. It came with concise instructions and directions to the web site with recipes.
United States
United StatesWas very easy to work with and just made my first loaf!!!!
United StatesIt’s working great so far bubbling faster than expected in the chilly temps.
United StatesExcited to have all supplies to make sourdough starter & they have an AWESOME website with great recipes & helpful tips to working with sourdough!
Before you start.
You’ll receive a dehydrated starter culture. You activate it with flour and water using the included guide before baking.
Activation takes time, and the pace varies with temperature, flour, and feeding. Follow the guide and use the starter’s activity, not a fixed deadline, to know when it’s ready.
No. This is an heirloom culture. Keep a portion of your active starter and feed and maintain it according to the instructions so you can keep baking.
You’ll need flour, water, a jar to keep your starter in, and your usual baking setup. If you don’t have tools yet, our sourdough kits include them.
You don’t have to guess your way through it. Start with the included guide, use the troubleshooting resources, and contact our fermenters if something isn’t working. The culture guarantee has replacement support; see the policy for terms.
No. This San Francisco-style starter contains organic white wheat flour and live active cultures. It is manufactured in a facility that processes products containing gluten.
Free standard shipping is available on qualifying orders of $49.99 or more to the contiguous U.S. Orders below that threshold have an $8 standard shipping rate. Discounts may affect eligibility. Alaska, Hawaii and other non-contiguous destinations have separate rates. Confirm your options and any charges at checkout.
