# Automated Sourdough Starter Appliances The 'Sourdough Sidekick' Automatically Feeds Starters By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2025-03-29 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sourdough-sidekick References: [theverge](https://www.theverge.com/news/638390/sourdough-starter-king-arthur-flour-firstbuild-indiegogo) & [indiegogo](https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sourdough-sidekick#/)  The 'Sourdough Sidekick' has been created by [FirstBuild](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-mella) and the [King Arthur Baking Company](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/savory-bread-mix-kits) as an automated appliance for sourdough bread makers to use as a way to keep their starter healthy. The appliance is characterized by its compact design that can be easily positioned onto any countertop where it will go to work providing the optimal amount of flour and water to keep sourdough starters thriving. The unit can also be programmed with the exact date and time that users want to bake, and will automatically feed it accordingly to ensure it's active when it's needed. The 'Sourdough Sidekick' is being launched as part of an [Indiegogo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lalahome-real-scooper) campaign with pledges starting at $129 with delivery estimates currently set for January 2026. Image Credit: FirstBuild / King Arthur Baking Company ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.8/10 - Popularity: 98% | Activity: 98% | Freshness: 38% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Connected Kitchen Appliances:** The integration of automation in kitchen gadgets like the 'Sourdough Sidekick' is transforming how home bakers maintain and use sourdough starters. - **Crowdfunding for Kitchen Innovations:** The launch of 'Sourdough Sidekick' on Indiegogo highlights the growing trend of leveraging crowdfunding platforms to bring niche culinary products to market. - **Precision Baking Assistance:** Appliances offering precise measurement and feeding schedules are reshaping home baking by ensuring consistent quality and reducing user error. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Home Appliance Manufacturing:** The development of compact, intelligent devices for home use is driving new innovations in the home appliance industry. - **Baking Supply Industry:** Collaborations between baking companies and appliance manufacturers are expanding product offerings and introducing novel baking aids to the market. - **Smart Kitchen Technology:** Smart kitchen devices that automate complex culinary processes represent a growing segment within the smart home technology sector. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sourdough Starter Countertop Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goldie-by-sourhouse.md) - [Sourdough Bread Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kefirko-sourdough-fermenter.md) - [Smart Sourdough Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-sourdough-kit.md) - [Specialized Sourdough Starter Containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sourdough-fermenter.md) - [Sourdough Starter Storage Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sourdough-starter-storage-system.md) - [Artisanal Sourdough Bread Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artisan-sourdough-bread-kit.md) - [Sourdough Bread Bundles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alkeme-foods.md) - [Automated Kombucha Brewing Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kombucha-brewer.md) - [Bread-Making Dough Trays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doughbed.md)