Should Instant Yeast Be Proofed?

Instant yeast is made up of finer granules and does not need to be proofed before it. You can mix it right into the dry ingredients. It's also made up of 100% living cells and as such tends to be seen as more powerful than active dry.

Does proofing instant yeast ruin it?

You shouldn't proof rapid-rise yeast, instant yeast, or bread machine yeast. Those will lose their fast-rising ability if you dissolve them in liquid.

What happens when you proof instant yeast?

Because of this, it dissolves and activates faster. Unlike active dry yeast, instant yeast doesn't have to be proofed first; it can be mixed straight into the dry ingredients with the same result. This yeast also gives you two separate rises.