Costco's new Kirkland Signature olive and rosemary sourdough bread has become a focal point of an online discussion, dividing shoppers on whether it adheres to the definition of authentic sourdough.
The debate centers on the bread's ingredients, with some consumers asserting that true sourdough should be leavened exclusively by a live sourdough culture and contain only flour, water, and salt, plus any additional inclusions.
According to the Real Bread Campaign, a product labeled sourdough should not include commercial yeast or other leavening agents, nor additives intended to replicate sourdough's flavor or acidity. The organization defines "sourfaux" as any product marketed as sourdough but made with additives or alternative raising agents in addition to or instead of a live starter culture.
Commenters on social media platforms have expressed strong opinions. One Instagram user stated, "Please stop pushing this as sourdough. It is not!" The user further elaborated that "true sourdough has flour, water and salt. Plus any inclusions. This has far too many to pass as ‘sourdough.’"
Another shopper noted that their wife makes her own sourdough and avoids Costco's version due to its ingredient list. Some have estimated Costco's bread contains around 50 ingredients, though the exact number was not specified in the notes.
This controversy is not the first time Costco's bakery has drawn similar scrutiny. Earlier this year, the company's sourdough bread bowls also generated debate for containing enriched wheat flour and ingredients common in commercial bread production aimed at speeding up the baking process. Experts suggest that many commercially available "sourdough" products, including some from large retailers, utilize commercial yeast.
Despite the purists' objections, many Costco customers continue to praise the olive and rosemary sourdough bread for its taste and texture. "May not be real sourdough, but it sure is delicious!" commented one shopper, echoing sentiments from others who enjoy the bread, with or without butter.
Some consumers have grown weary of the recurring ingredient debate on Costco's product posts, with one user writing, "Omg we get it. All the Costco bakery items have a million ingredients. No need to leave the same comment over and over in every post."