Why I Don’t Make Sourdough Bread

I’ll be honest, right up front — I don’t make sourdough bread. And you don’t have to either!

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably seen the gorgeous loaves of homemade bread all over social media and thought, “Maybe I should start baking sourdough.”

Then reality hits. Between feeding kids, keeping up with chores, and managing a homestead, the last thing I want is one more thing to feed — even if it’s a starter.

At first, you’d think sourdough loaves would fit right in. After all, I love the (semi) crunchy lifestyle — essential oils, flower essences, and natural solutions are totally my jam!

I mean, we even live on a small homestead with around 60 chickens, 8 goats, and a few “regular” pets like cats and dogs. I grow a big garden (most years) and love making delicious recipes and meals for my family.

I’ve raised my four kids—now ages 14 through 22—as naturally as possible.

So yes, I’m crunchy… until I’m not. I’ve learned something important over the years: you don’t have to do everything to live naturally or be a “good mom.”

Because, friend, I have my limits. Like sourdough!

Sourdough just doesn’t fit into my life right now — and that’s okay. In fact, I’d argue it’s part of what I call realistic homesteading — knowing your limits, letting go of the pressure, and refusing to carry unnecessary mom guilt.

So if you’ve ever felt behind because you’re not baking bread from scratch, this post is for you.

Let’s talk about why skipping sourdough can actually be part of realistic homesteading—not failure.

8 Honest Reasons I Don’t Make Sourdough Bread

Before we dive in, let me be clear—this isn’t a jab at the sourdough crowd! I have so many friends who love it, and I think it’s wonderful. But in this season, it just isn’t for me, and here’s why:

1. I Don’t Have the Time

Between homesteading, parenting teens, running a business and a household, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day.

Sure, sourdough can become a routine—but it still takes more attention than I can give right now.

2. I Don’t Need One More Thing to Manage

Mom life already means wearing a dozen hats: chauffeur, chef, nurse, counselor, teacher, accountant, maid, chicken mama…

Adding “sourdough starter caretaker” to that list? No thank you.

If I add something new to my plate, it has to be deeply worth the effort—and for me, sourdough bread just isn’t it. I’d rather spend my time on my kids and on raising chickens!

3. I’m Protecting My Brain Power

Could I learn sourdough? Of course.

If I could research natural therapies that helped my son who had autism thrive, graduate college with honors, and start a professional career, I can definitely handle a starter.

But these days, my mental energy is precious. My brain is already busy with my teens and our everyday life. I just don’t have the capacity for the learning curve that comes with sourdough.

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4. The Calorie Temptation Is Real

We love bread in this house. All of us.

If there were fresh loaves coming out of my oven every week, they wouldn’t last long. And let’s be honest—we’d all eat more than we should.

My husband has been working hard to lose weight and we’ve all been trying to eat healthier. Constant homemade bread would be a temptation none of us need.

5. Gluten Sensitivity

I’m not allergic to gluten, but I am sensitive to it.

A little here and there is fine—especially if I take my favorite digestive enzymes that help with both gluten and dairy—but regular sourdough baking would make it too easy to overindulge.

I want to feel my best, not set myself up for fatigue and stomach aches.

6. I’m Done Collecting Kitchen Gadgets

Every time I try a new hobby, it starts small—then I end up with extra gear cluttering my cabinets. Let’s call it part of the hazards of being a blogger.

Just ask the juicer in my basement!

If a tool or appliance doesn’t get used weekly, it doesn’t deserve a permanent home in my kitchen. I don’t need another Dutch oven taking up space, especially after all the work I did to get an organized pantry.

7. I Refuse to Feel Guilty

If I forgot to feed the starter or lost interest, I’d end up frustrated with myself.

That kind of self-criticism serves no one.

There’s already enough mom guilt in the world—I don’t need to add “failed sourdough mom” to the list.

I’ve worked very hard to let go of mom guilt through prayer, my positice affirmation cards for moms, and reducing things on my plate, and I can’t let a loaf of bread derail my progress (even if it is tasty!).

8. I Can Just Buy It

If I ever really want sourdough, I can buy it locally.

Between the farmers’ market, nearby feed store, and a dozen friends who bake, I have plenty of access to fresh bread—without the stress.

Realistic Homesteading Means Knowing Your Limits

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to do everything yourself to live a simple, natural lifestyle.

Sometimes, realistic homesteading looks like knowing your limits and letting go of unnecessary guilt.

You can be a devoted, natural-living mama without baking sourdough bread every week. Can I get an amen?

So if you’ve been feeling pressure to keep up with the crunchy crowd, consider this your official permission slip to let that go.

You’re still nurturing, wise, resourceful—and “crunchy enough.”

Why I Don’t Make Sourdough Bread