Leavened refers to a process in baking where dough is made to rise and become light and airy. This is typically achieved by adding a leavening agent, such as yeast, baking powder, or baking soda. These agents produce gas bubbles that expand during baking, causing the dough to rise. Common examples of leavened products include bread, pizza, and cakes. The leavening process not only affects the texture but also the flavor of the final product, making it more enjoyable to eat. In contrast, unleavened products, like matzo or flatbreads, do not undergo this rising process.