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Test, Tweak, Repeat: A Smarter Way to Grow Your Sourdough Microbakery | Episode 94



If you’ve ever caught yourself tweaking a recipe over and over again, holding off on launching a product because it’s not “perfect,” or second-guessing your entire bake based on one comment—this post is for you.


In this episode of the Bread Winner Podcast, we’re diving into the “Product” pillar of the six Bread Winner pillars and talking all about how to test, tweak, and improve your sourdough microbakery products—without chasing perfection or getting stuck in your head. This is all about finding freedom and clarity while still staying committed to excellence.


The Test, Tweak, Repeat Framework


I use a super simple approach for improving my products:Test. Tweak. Repeat. That’s it. Let’s break it down.


Step 1: Test It

You don’t need a final, perfected version of your product before you put it out there. Just get it into someone’s hands.Try:

  • Adding it to your menu

  • Bringing a few to market

  • Sharing samples on your pickup table


The goal? Feedback—not perfection.


Step 2: Tweak One Thing at a Time

Once you get feedback, pick one small thing to adjust. That could be:

  • A hydration tweak

  • A shape change

  • A new inclusion strategy

Keep it small and intentional.


Step 3: Repeat

Once you make that small tweak, repeat the process.Ask for feedback again. Keep what worked. Adjust what didn’t.


The key? Patterns. Don’t overhaul your bake because of one comment. Look for repeated feedback before making a big change.


Gathering Feedback That Actually Helps

You don’t need a spreadsheet or fancy form to gather insights. Just ask questions and pay attention.


Here are simple ways to get helpful feedback:

  • Ask repeat customers for thoughts on new flavors

  • Let market regulars know they’re trying something brand new and invite their input

  • Use polls in Instagram or Facebook stories (e.g. “Lemon cookies or cinnamon rye?”)

  • Offer a freebie to a regular in exchange for honest feedback

  • Watch what sells—and what doesn’t. Silence is feedback too


Remember, repeated feedback = data you can trust.


Small Tweaks, Big Impact

Here are low-stress, high-impact tweaks you can try without overhauling your entire process:

  • Crust & Doneness: Adjust bake time slightly

  • Salt Level: A small pinch can make a difference

  • Inclusions: Add during coil folds for better distribution

  • Size/Shape: Try minis, sandwich-friendly shapes, or different scoring

  • Packaging: Make it resealable or easier to open

  • Ingredients: Consider switching to organic if that aligns with your values

  • Instructions: Add reheating or storage tips with a card or QR code


I recently shifted to selling mini versions of my inclusion loaves after consistent feedback—and they sold out. That’s the power of small adjustments rooted in real feedback.


What Not to Tweak

You don’t need to change everything just because you can. Here’s what to leave alone:

  • Your core process (if it’s working, don’t fix it)

  • Your branding/story (unless it no longer feels like you)

  • Your entire recipe because of one picky eater


When in doubt, stay steady. Let consistency be your superpower.


Why Consistency Builds Trust

Tweaks should be gradual and intentional.If your bake changes every week, your regulars may stop ordering.


Test new ideas in small batches, or just with family. Only roll out changes widely when you’re confident it’s an improvement. You can even loop your regulars in:

“I’m testing a higher whole wheat percentage this week. I’d love your thoughts!”

Keep your customers in the loop, and they’ll feel part of the journey.


Knowing When to Stop

At some point, good enough really is good enough.

You don’t need to keep tweaking a product that’s already selling well and loved by your customers.Your time is better spent:

  • Scaling your bestsellers

  • Creating repeatable systems

  • Showing up consistently


That’s what builds a thriving, sustainable sourdough microbakery.


Final Thoughts

To recap the Test, Tweak, Repeat method:

  1. Test: Share your product. Don’t wait for perfect.

  2. Tweak: Make one small change based on repeated feedback.

  3. Repeat: Try again. Improve gradually.

  4. Don’t Overcorrect: Stay the course unless something truly isn’t working.

  5. Know When to Stop: Focus on what’s working and keep it consistent.


Building a thriving sourdough microbakery doesn’t mean chasing perfection.It means knowing what to improve—and when to just keep showing up with something you believe in.

If this episode felt like the permission slip you needed to stop overthinking, I hope you carry that freedom with you into your next bake. And if you know another baker who’s stuck in perfectionism, send this their way.


Until next time, happy baking.

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