Young Chinese Turn To Pet Yeast For Calm And Companionship

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IN CHINA, a curious new trend is bubbling up, quite literally. A growing number of young people are finding comfort and amusement in jars of activated yeast, affectionately called “pet yeast.”
According to the platform Oddity Central, these frothy jars require little more than flour, water, and sugar to thrive, offering a form of companionship that demands almost no effort. Among netizens, they’re jokingly nicknamed “face worms,” joining the wider “static pet” movement that includes quirky non-living companions such as stones, paper boxes, mango pits, and even toothpaste tubes.
The appeal lies in their simplicity. Owners mix yeast with basic ingredients, stir, and watch it expand into a sticky, wine-scented mass within hours. For many, the quiet satisfaction of observing growth, rather than caring for a real animal, provides a moment of calm in their busy, high-pressure lives.
Online, entire communities have sprung up around the trend, where “yeast parents” share photos and tips. One user described the yeast jar as “easy to care for, no mess, no stress.” Another humorously pointed out its practicality, saying, “If you get tired of it, just make steamed buns. Zero guilt attached.”
Mental health professionals say this odd hobby is more than just a fad. Zhao Meng, director of psychology at Wuhan Wudong Hospital, believes it reflects the desire for emotional stability among young adults burdened by work and economic strain. “Static pets suit the lazy healing lifestyle. They require no time, energy, or emotional labor,” Zhao said.
Fellow psychotherapist Du Hemin added that these “pets” provide a sense of safe attachment. “They won’t get sick or misbehave, and that gives people small but reliable comfort,” Du noted.
In a generation searching for peace amid chaos, the pet yeast seems to offer the perfect balance, quiet company that grows, bubbles, and never complains. — Focus Malaysia

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