What is a substitute for yeast in bread?

There are no substitutes for yeast in bread that can produce the same fluffy, risen texture that yeast yields. However, baking soda is occasionally used as leavening in breads that do not require much rising, and it is also often used in baked goods other than bread.

When using baking soda instead of yeast in a recipe, always add an acid (lemon juice, buttermilk or a mixture of vinegar and milk), as baking soda does not react effectively without one. Substituting baking soda for yeast can be done by adding equal ratios of baking soda and either buttermilk, white vinegar or lemon juice to equal the amount of yeast that the recipe requires.