Active dry yeast, where to buy cheap

Hi,
I am looking for an inexpensive source to buy active dry yeast in 1 or 2 lb bags. prefer northside Chicago or online.
Appreciate anyone's recommendation.
thanks
Berns

I don't know for sure, but you might try calling the Home Economist in Skokie.

9159 Gross Point Rd
Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 674-7252

Costco, if you have a membership.

You can get it at HarvestTime Foods on Lawrence in the Lincoln Square vicinity.

I can't speak for current availability, but I've always bought my yeast at the Home Economist. I keep it in the freezer and it seems to last indefinitely that way.

I recently purchased a 1lb brick of SAF instant yeast for about $3.50 at Andy's Fruit Ranch, 4700 block of Kedzie.

I second Costco...I thought there was a mistake the first time I saw it. $2.50 for a pound, I believe it was. I kept thinking of those 3-4 ounce jars that I paid $8 for....

FrankP wrote:I recently purchased a 1lb brick of SAF instant yeast for about $3.50 at Andy's Fruit Ranch, 4700 block of Kedzie.

Thanks for the tip! I've been looking for this within the city limits for a long time now.

The Costco in Oakbrook today had Red Star yeast, two pounds for $3.59.

My apologies if this has been covered already. The original poster asked for 1-2lb quantities of active yeast. I suggested a source for instant yeast.

Active and Instant yeast are two different products. Active yeast is dried at a high temperature, which kills many of the yeast cells. Therefore, active yeast must be "proofed" in warm (105-110) water to get rid of the dead outer layer of cells. Instant yeast is dried at a gentler temperature, so almost all of the yeast cells are live. No need to proof instant yeast, it can be added with the rest of the dry ingredients in a recipe. You can use a smaller quantity of instant yeast in recipes calling for active yeast, since there is a higher percentage of live yeast cells. Active yeast is stable for years at room temperature. I keep my instant yeast in the freezer to prolong its life. Either product will get the job done, but my personal preference is instant yeast.