Red Star Active Dry yeast (bread yeast) produced an absolutely undrinkable cider! But I like experimenting, so no harm done--only wasted about 16 oz. of apple juice. (Who knows if this stuff might make a more palatable beer, but I think I'll leave it to someone else to try!)
Otherwise, I've brewed 2 batches of cider with yeast harvested from previous batches, after an initial batch with Red Star "Cote des Blancs" dry yeast. Stearates certainly negligible by now, plus it's definitely more fun and cost effective to harvest. Also harvested Safale Ale Yeast for 1 subsequent batch. Good results so far harvesting both yeasts.
For info, White Labs replied to my inquiry about the stearates. They assured me they use "no additives or preservatives" in their yeasts.