Active dry yeast is a dried form of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae used to make breads, rolls, pizza dough, and other yeast-leavened baked goods rise. When mixed into dough, the yeast consumes available sugars and produces carbon dioxide, which becomes trapped within the dough and creates a light, airy texture as it rises. Active dry yeast is made of larger granules than instant yeast and traditionally is dissolved in warm liquid before being added to other ingredients, although many modern active dry yeasts can also be mixed directly into flour. It has a long shelf life when properly stored and is an easy pantry staple for homemade breads and other fermented doughs.