6 Best Dough Conditioner for Bread (November 2026)
The best dough conditioners for bread include the Scratch Premium Dough Conditioner for a clear starting measure, the Bakers Club Artisan Dough Conditioner for a smaller package, and the SpiceMasters.co.uk Baking Dough Enhancer-1 Pound Dough Conditioner for a percentage based measure.
On this page (5 sections)
The best dough conditioner for bread for most home bakers is Scratch Premium Dough Conditioner, with a clear starting measure and uses that include loaves, rolls and pizza dough. Choose Bakers Club for a smaller package, SpiceMasters for a measure based on flour weight, or Grandma Eloise’s for a 4 lb supply.
A dough conditioner may be useful when you want to adjust dough handling or loaf texture, but formulas and directions vary. To understand how conditioners and improvers differ, read dough conditioner vs bread improver.
Start with your recipe and the exact product instructions, then change one ingredient at a time so you can see what affects the result. For a closer look at two common dough additives, compare vital wheat gluten and diastatic malt powder.
If you're still choosing the flour itself, begin with this guide to bread flour. Our score weighs stated features and how well each option fits the needs of someone shopping for a bread dough conditioner.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for a clear starting measureScratch Premium Dough Conditioner
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for a percentage based measureSpiceMasters.co.uk Baking Dough Enhancer-1 Pound Dough Conditioner
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itGeneric Grandma Eloise’s Dough Conditioner for Bread
Best for a large package - 5
Best for a 2 lb package with weight directionsCheck it - 6
Best for trying a smaller packageCheck it
Which dough conditioners for bread stand out?
Scratch leads for its simple starting measure and broad use, while the other picks suit different package sizes, ingredient preferences and measuring styles. Compare the directions before choosing, because the suggested amounts are not interchangeable.
| Product | Best for | Package size | Suggested measure | Uses | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scratch Premium Dough Conditioner | a clear starting measure | 2 lb | 1 teaspoon per cup of flour | Bread, rolls, pastries and pizza dough | 9.7 |
| Bakers Club Artisan Dough Conditioner | a smaller package | 10 oz | 1 teaspoon per cup of flour | Bread, sourdough, pizza dough, bagels and more | 9.4 |
| SpiceMasters.co.uk Baking Dough Enhancer-1 Pound Dough Conditioner | a percentage based measure | 1 lb | About 3% of flour weight | 9.3 | |
| Generic Grandma Eloise’s Dough Conditioner for Bread | a large package | 4 lb | 1 teaspoon per cup of flour | White and whole wheat bread, rolls and pizza dough | 9.0 |
| OliveNation Dough Conditioner | a 2 lb package with weight directions | 2 lb | 1.5 tablespoons per pound of flour | 8.7 | |
| OliveNation Dough Conditioner | trying a smaller package | 1 lb | 1.5 tablespoons per pound of flour | 8.5 |
How we chose these bread dough conditioners
We compared the stated uses, measures, package sizes and ingredient information for each option. The scores reflect how clearly those details match common home-baking needs, including whether the instructions are easy to apply to a recipe.
A larger package can be convenient if you bake often, but it may be more than you need when trying an additive for the first time. Ingredient lists also matter, especially for allergens or ingredients you prefer to avoid.
The best dough conditioners for bread
These picks are ordered by score, with each one matched to a practical use. Follow the directions for the specific product rather than borrowing a measure from another formula.
Scratch Premium Dough Conditioner: Best for a clear starting measure
- 2 lb package
- Suggested measure of 1 teaspoon per cup of flour
- For bread, rolls, pastries and pizza dough
- Scratch recommends adding vital wheat gluten for whole wheat bread
A broad-use option with a simple flour-based measure. Scratch recommends pairing it with vital wheat gluten when using it in whole wheat bread.
Pros
- Clear suggested measure
- Suitable for several dough types
- Large package
Cons
- Whole wheat guidance calls for an additional ingredient
Scratch is the strongest general pick here because its suggested measure is easy to apply: 1 teaspoon per cup of flour. For pizza dough, compare active dry yeast.
The brand says it is suitable for all flours and names bread, rolls, pastries and pizza dough as uses.
Scratch specifically recommends adding its vital wheat gluten when using this conditioner for whole wheat bread. If you're deciding whether gluten belongs in your recipe, see these vital wheat gluten bread recipes and guidance on what can replace vital wheat gluten.
The 2 lb package is a substantial amount for a home baker who uses conditioner regularly. Use it sparingly, as Scratch's directions suggest, and measure based on the amount of flour in the recipe.
Bakers Club Artisan Dough Conditioner: Best for a smaller package
- 10 oz package
- Suggested measure of 1 teaspoon per cup of flour
- For sourdough, pizza dough, bagels and more
- Brand describes it as suitable for whole wheat, white and gluten-free flours
The smaller package uses the same suggested measure as Scratch and names a wide range of baking uses. Bakers Club says it suits whole wheat, white and gluten-free flours.
Pros
- Smaller package than the other leading picks
- Clear suggested measure
- Broad range of named baking uses
Cons
- Claims of longer freshness and easier shaping are brand claims
Bakers Club is a good fit if you want a smaller 10 oz package and a familiar measure of 1 teaspoon per cup of flour. The brand names bread, sourdough, pizza dough and bagels among its uses, and says it suits whole wheat, white and gluten-free flours.
For a ready-made machine option, see sourdough bread machine mixes.
If you are choosing yeast for pizza too, see instant yeast for pizza dough.
The brand describes the conditioner as helping dough feel more elastic and easier to shape, and says it can help baked goods stay fresh longer. Those are brand claims, so your results will depend on the recipe and how you store the finished bread.
For dough that will be baked outside a machine, see whether bread maker dough can go in the oven. If pizza dough is your main use, our best bread maker for pizza dough guide may help with the rest of the process.
SpiceMasters.co.uk Baking Dough Enhancer-1 Pound Dough Conditioner: Best for a percentage based measure
- 1 lb package
- Use rate of about 3% by flour weight
- Ingredient list includes whey, corn flour, monocalcium phosphate, L-cysteine hydrochloride and potassium bromate
- Dry, ambient storage recommended
This option gives a weight-based measure and names its ingredients. Its ingredient list includes potassium bromate, so review the label carefully before deciding whether it fits your preferences.
Pros
- Specific measure by flour weight
- Ingredient list is stated
- Storage guidance is provided
Cons
- Contains potassium bromate
- Measure differs from teaspoon-per-cup directions
SpiceMasters stands apart because it uses a weight-based measure: about 3% of the flour weight. The stated uses include donuts and breads, and the ingredient list names whey, corn flour, monocalcium phosphate, L-cysteine hydrochloride and potassium bromate.
The potassium bromate is a meaningful ingredient to consider before buying. Review the package label and decide whether this formula fits your preferences and the rules that apply where you bake.
The maker recommends dry, ambient storage below 75% relative humidity and says not to refrigerate it. This 1 lb option may suit bakers who already measure flour by weight and want directions in that format.
Generic Grandma Eloise’s Dough Conditioner for Bread: Best for a large package
- 4 lb package
- Suggested measure of 1 teaspoon per cup of flour
- For white, whole wheat, rolls and pizza dough
- Brand names whey, soy and lecithin among ingredients
The largest package here uses a familiar teaspoon-per-cup measure. The brand names whey, soy and lecithin among its ingredients, which matters if you avoid those ingredients.
Pros
- Largest package in this roundup
- Clear suggested measure
- Names several common baking uses
Cons
- Includes whey and soy
Grandma Eloise’s is the largest package in this group at 4 lb, with directions to use 1 teaspoon per cup of flour. It is described for white and whole wheat bread, rolls and pizza dough.
The brand identifies whey, soy and lecithin among the ingredients. Check those ingredients against your dietary needs before adding it to a recipe, since the product is not suitable for everyone.
A large package can make sense if conditioner is already part of your baking routine. If you only want to try a dough additive once or twice, a smaller package may be easier to use up.
OliveNation Dough Conditioner: Best for a 2 lb package with weight directions
- 2 lb package
- Use 1.5 tablespoons per pound of flour
- Add 2 tablespoons of water
- For bread or pastry
OliveNation gives directions by flour weight and includes an added-water measure. Its stated uses include bread and pastry.
Pros
- Weight-based direction
- Includes added-water direction
- Bread and pastry uses
Cons
- Directions differ from the teaspoon-per-cup products
This OliveNation option gives a different kind of measure: 1.5 tablespoons per pound of flour, plus 2 tablespoons of water. The stated uses include bread and pastry, so it may suit bakers who want directions tied to flour weight.
OliveNation describes its conditioner as strengthening dough and improving finished texture, with lighter, fluffier baked goods and slower staling as intended outcomes. Those are product claims, not a promise that every recipe will change the same way.
The 2 lb package is a fit for regular use. Measure carefully and keep the added-water instruction in mind when adapting a recipe.
OliveNation Dough Conditioner: Best for trying a smaller package
- 1 lb package
- Use 1.5 tablespoons per pound of flour
- Add 2 tablespoons of water
- For bread or pastry
This smaller OliveNation size has the same stated use directions as its 2 lb counterpart. It can suit a baker who wants less on hand.
Pros
- Smaller package
- Weight-based direction
- Includes added-water direction
Cons
- Directions differ from the teaspoon-per-cup products
The 1 lb OliveNation package uses the same directions as the larger size: 1.5 tablespoons per pound of flour and 2 tablespoons of water. Its stated uses include bread and pastry.
Choose this size if you want to try the formula or bake less often than someone who would use a 2 lb package. As with any conditioner, follow its own directions and account for the additional water in the recipe.
For bagel dough, our guide to vital wheat gluten bagels covers another ingredient some bakers consider. You can also read about whether vital wheat gluten is healthy when weighing ingredient choices.
What should you check before choosing a dough conditioner?
Check the ingredient list, flour-based directions and package size before adding a conditioner to your bread recipe. These details help you avoid using the wrong measure or buying more than you expect to use.
How do the suggested measures differ?
The measures differ by product. Scratch, Bakers Club and Grandma Eloise’s suggest 1 teaspoon per cup of flour, SpiceMasters suggests about 3% by flour weight, and OliveNation gives 1.5 tablespoons per pound of flour plus water.
A teaspoon measure is convenient when your recipe uses cups, while weight-based directions pair naturally with a scale. Don't convert between them unless the product provides a conversion.
Do ingredient lists matter?
Yes, ingredient lists can affect whether a conditioner fits your diet or preferences. SpiceMasters names whey and potassium bromate, while Grandma Eloise’s names whey, soy and lecithin.
For flour enrichment rather than a multi-ingredient conditioner, compare vital wheat gluten and all-purpose flour. If gluten is a concern, read whether vital wheat gluten is keto friendly and how to make vital wheat gluten for more context on the ingredient.
Does package size affect freshness?
Package size affects how much conditioner you have available, not how long it stays usable. Keep it in a dry, suitable place and follow the storage directions on the package; SpiceMasters recommends dry, ambient conditions and says not to refrigerate its product.
For ingredient storage ideas, see how to store vital wheat gluten. That guide concerns a different baking ingredient, so follow the conditioner’s own package instructions.
Which bread dough conditioner should you choose?
Choose Scratch if you want a broad-use conditioner with a straightforward measure, Bakers Club if a 10 oz package better fits your baking, and SpiceMasters if you prefer a flour-weight measure and accept its listed ingredients. Pick Grandma Eloise’s for the largest package, or OliveNation if its weight-based directions suit your recipes.
A conditioner is only one part of dough performance. Review the flour, hydration and recipe method too, and consider what Bob’s Red Mill gluten flour is if you're comparing flour additives before your next loaf.
For checking dough temperature during fermentation, see our bread dough thermometer guide.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a clear starting measure
Scratch Premium Dough Conditioner
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for a percentage based measure
SpiceMasters.co.uk Baking Dough Enhancer-1 Pound Dough Conditioner
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is dough conditioner in bread?
Dough conditioner is a baking additive used to change how dough handles or how the baked loaf turns out. Formulas vary, so check the ingredient list and the maker's directions before adding one to your recipe.
For a plain-language overview, read what dough conditioner is.
How much dough conditioner should I add to bread dough?
Use the directions for the specific conditioner you buy. Several options here suggest 1 teaspoon per cup of flour, while SpiceMasters gives a rate of about 3% of flour weight and OliveNation gives 1.5 tablespoons per pound of flour plus water.
Don't assume those measures can be swapped one for one.
Is dough conditioner the same as bread improver?
The terms are often used for similar baking additives, but product names and formulas can differ. Compare the ingredient list and directions for the particular product you plan to use.
Our dough conditioner vs bread improver guide explains the distinction.
Can I use a dough conditioner in whole wheat bread?
Some conditioners name whole wheat bread as a use, but the instructions differ by product. Scratch recommends adding vital wheat gluten to its conditioner for whole wheat bread, while other brands describe their products as suitable for whole wheat flour.
You can also compare vital wheat gluten and diastatic malt powder before changing a recipe.
