Baking Kit FAQ: Success with Bucket of Bread
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to the official Bucket of Bread Baking Kit FAQ! Whether you’re curious about our versatile organic baking kits, looking for recipe inspiration, or want to understand how your purchase helps fight food insecurity, you’re in the right place. This page answers the most common questions we get about our products, company, and mission—so you can bake with confidence and purpose.
Want to Know More?
Still have questions we didn’t cover in the FAQ? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re wondering about our ingredients, shipping, food bank donations, or just want help with a recipe idea—don’t hesitate to reach out.
Contact us here and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Product & Ingredients
Is Bucket of Bread Vegan?
Yes! Bucket of Bread products are vegan-friendly. They contain no meat, dairy, eggs, honey, or animal by-products, and are never tested on animals. Our ingredients are non-GMO and free from animal-derived genes. While we’re not currently certified vegan, we welcome you to review our facility and products with confidence.
Are Bucket of Bread Baking Kits Kosher?
All ingredients in Bucket of Bread baking mixes come from kosher-certified sources. While our manufacturing facility is not officially kosher-certified, our products follow kosher-friendly guidelines. They contain no meat, dairy, eggs, preservatives, fats, or oils, making them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
As a Veteran-owned business, we welcome support from customers who are interested in helping us pursue full kosher certification. To learn more or get involved, please reach out to us directly.
Do You Offer Gluten-Free Bucket of Bread Baking Kits?
At this time, Bucket of Bread does not offer a gluten-free option. Our baking kits are made with traditional flours and produced in a facility where flour components cannot be fully separated. Because of this, we cannot guarantee our products are safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
That said, we are exploring the possibility of a gluten-free option in the future. As Bucket of Bread continues to grow, one of our goals is to partner with a co-packing facility where gluten-free production can be kept fully separate. Once that scale is reached, and a safe, dedicated gluten-free space is available, we look forward to bringing this option to life.
We are always innovating behind the scenes. Stay with us on the journey, and watch for new Bucket of Bread products and gluten-free baking options in the future.
Does Bucket of Bread Offer Sourdough Kits?
Bucket of Bread kits are not traditional sourdough kits, and that is by design. True sourdough requires a live starter made from wild yeast and natural bacteria that develops over time. Our certified organic baking kits are built for simplicity, consistency, and reliability while still delivering incredible flavor and texture with just the addition of water.
That said, we love sourdough flavor, and we have created a Sourdough Cheat Code method that many bakers use to achieve that tangy, sourdough-style taste without maintaining a starter. This approach is inspired by real baking techniques used across the bread community, including extended fermentation and flavor-building methods that create depth, character, and complexity in the dough.
Simple ingredients. Real technique. Great flavor. Built for everyday home bakers.
You get the experience, flavor profile, and enjoyment of sourdough style baking without the time commitment, maintenance, or unpredictability of a live starter.
Visit the Recipe for our Sourdough Cheat Code to try the method and bring that classic tangy flavor to your Bucket of Bread baking.
Should I Worry about Nut Allergies?
Bucket of Bread products contain no nuts and use only certified organic, non-GMO wheat flours. Our suppliers operate in BRCGS Certified facilities with AA ratings and have dedicated Quality Assurance teams to ensure consistent quality. Our production space is separate from other businesses, which helps minimize cross-contamination risks.
For full details on allergens and safety, please see our Safety and Allergen Information page.
Baking & Preparation
How Many Loaves Does It Make?
Each small bucket contains one flour component bag, and the large bucket contains two bags. Each bag makes one farmhouse-style loaf weighing about 1.7 pounds (roughly 2 pounds of uncooked dough).
Can I Use the Mix in My Bread Machine?
Yes! You can use Bucket of Bread as a bread machine compatible organic mix for most models. Simply add the ingredients in the order your machine’s manual advises and use the basic dough cycle for artisanal results.
What is the Hydration Percentage of the Dough from Bucket of Bread Kits?
Hydration is calculated by dividing the weight of water by the weight of flour and multiplying by 100. Bucket of Bread kits are formulated for a standard hydration level that works well for most baking, making it simple to create bread, rolls, bagels, or pizza dough.
If you prefer a slightly different texture or need a specific hydration level for your recipe, you can adjust the water amount during mixing. Small changes allow you to customize your dough for softer, more open crumb or firmer, easier-to-shape results.
Tip: Start with the recommended water amount, then add a little at a time if you want a more hydrated dough. For more tips on working with your dough, see the FAQ “How can I make my Bucket of Bread Kit dough easier to work with?”
How Can I Make My Bucket of Bread Kit Dough Easier to Work With?
For the easiest, most manageable dough, try these tips when using your Bucket of Bread Kit:
- Start with a little less water: Begin with 2 tablespoons less than the package calls for. Add it back gradually during mixing only if needed.
- Dust with flour: Set aside 2 tablespoons of the dry mix and use it to lightly dust your hands and work surface. This helps prevent sticking without over-drying the dough.
- Chill sticky dough: If the dough still feels sticky, refrigerate it for 1–2 hours. Chilled dough is easier to shape and handle.
- Bake it your way: Follow your kit instructions for temperature and time, but don’t be afraid to adjust slightly for your oven or desired crust texture.
- These simple adjustments help make shaping rolls, bagels, pizza dough, or bread loaves easier while ensuring delicious results every time.
Tip: Allow your bread to cool fully before slicing or storing to maintain freshness and flavor.
What Should I Know about Using Parchment Paper when Baking with Bucket of Bread Kits?
When baking with Bucket of Bread kits, always use parchment paper that is rated for your oven’s baking temperature. Many parchment papers have maximum temperature limits, and exceeding those limits can cause scorching or smoking.
Follow the temperature guidelines provided by the parchment paper manufacturer and place parchment only on appropriate bakeware. Always monitor your oven while baking and never leave it unattended.
Tip: If your parchment paper starts to curl or roll up when you tear it from the roll, crumple it gently into a ball and then flatten it out. This simple trick helps the paper lay flat on your baking sheet, making it easier to use and keeping your bread from sticking.
Using parchment paper correctly helps prevent sticking and supports safe, consistent baking results.
Storage & Care
Focuses on longevity and post-bake maintenance.
How Long Does the Dough Last in the Refrigerator?
Once mixed, your dough is designed to last in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. Storing it in the bucket allows the yeast to ferment slowly, which actually improves the flavor over time, giving it a more complex, artisanal taste. This 2-week window gives you the freedom to pinch off exactly what you need and bake fresh bread on your own schedule.
How Do I Know When my Bucket of Bread Loaf is Fully Baked?
To check if your Bucket of Bread loaf is fully baked, you have a couple of reliable methods. For larger or thicker loaves, tap the bottom of the bread gently with your knuckle, like knocking on a door. If it sounds hollow, the bread is ready.
For the most accurate results, use a kitchen thermometer. The internal temperature of fully baked bread should be between 190°F and 200°F.
Tip: Letting your bread cool completely before slicing not only improves flavor and texture but also ensures the crumb sets perfectly.
How Can I Make Sure My Bucket of Bread Loaf Bakes Evenly All the Way Through?
For an even bake, shape your dough and let it rest on the baking sheet before preheating your oven. Allowing the dough to reach room temperature helps it bake consistently from edge to center.
When making larger loaves or dough balls, this extra rest ensures a uniform, golden finish throughout. These simple steps make it easier to enjoy a soft, fully baked interior every time.
Tip: Pair this with proper oven temperature and following your kit instructions for the best results.
What is the Best Way to Store Freshly Baked Bread?
To maintain the freshness and quality of freshly baked bread, store it at room temperature in a breathable bread bag, paper bag, or loosely wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. This allows air circulation, which helps prevent excess moisture from building up and keeps the crust and crumb in optimal condition.
Refrigeration is not recommended, as it can cause bread to dry out more quickly. For longer-term storage, slice the bread and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices can be removed as needed and thaw quickly at room temperature or in a toaster, making this the safest method for preserving flavor and texture.
Tip: Always allow bread to fully cool before storing to minimize condensation and maintain the best quality.
What Should I Do with My Bucket of Bread Bucket Once I’ve Finished Using the Dough?
Bucket of Bread buckets are 100% recyclable and made from durable, high-quality materials. After finishing your dough, you can recycle them or give them a second life by reusing them for storage, organization, or creative projects around the home.
If you plan to reuse your bucket for food, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned, as the rubber seals (1-gallon buckets) can trap moisture and bacteria. Proper washing helps ensure safe use for non-baking purposes.
We love seeing how customers get creative with their buckets. Share your ideas with us and inspire the Bucket of Bread community!
Tip:
Buckets are great for storing dry ingredients, kitchen tools, or even craft supplies. A little creativity goes a long way in giving them a second life.
About the Brand
Is Bucket of Bread a Franchise?
No, Bucket of Bread is not a franchise. It’s a veteran-owned, original baking kit company with plenty of room to grow.
We love seeing our community share their baking adventures. If you enjoy Bucket of Bread products, help us spread the word by sharing your creations on social media. When sharing, feel free to use #BucketofBread to connect with other bakers and the Bucket of Bread community.
Does Bucket of Bread have a Trademark?
Yes! Thanks to the University of Wisconsin’s Law & Entrepreneurship (L&E) Clinic, both the Bucket of Bread business name and our mascot, BoB, are officially trademarked with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The phrase “Farm Style Classics” is currently pending registration.
Active Trademarks:
When will Bucket of Bread be on Shark Tank?
We’re flattered by this popular question. It shows that Bucket of Bread is reaching people and making an impact. While there are no current plans to appear on Shark Tank, our founder, Chris Wysong, is honored to be a lifetime alumnus of The Veteran Shark Tank through the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network.
Thanks to everyone who supports Bucket of Bread, maybe one day you’ll see us on the show!
9th Annual Alumni Member:
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