Because of the large number of applications of starter bacteria in the food industry, it is important to obtain stable, highly viable bacterial cultures. This review describes the possibilities of producing these cultures in a dried form. Freeze-drying is economically unattractive for producing large quantities of dried bacteria. Therefore, three convective drying methods are emphasized: spray drying, fluidized-bed drying and spray granulation. Important parameters which can influence the inactivation of the bacteria during these drying processes are considered.