Abstract: Culture devices for promoting the growth of microorganisms, especially anaerobic microorganisms, are disclosed. The culture devices include an oxygen scavenging material. In one aspect, the culture device includes a supporting substrate and a cover sheet affixed to at least one edge of the supporting substrate. At least one of the supporting substrate and cover sheet includes the oxygen scavenging material. In another aspect, the culture device is an article that includes a container, e.g. a pouch, including a film having an oxygen scavenging material, with a culture media placed within the container.