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What is Nutritional Yeast?

Tara Barnett
Tara Barnett

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast intended for human consumption. It has a distinct flavor that is often identified as nutty or cheesy. The product is a yellow shade and is usually found packages as either flakes or powder. Most consumers use nutritional yeast as either an ingredient in recipes or as a condiment.

The species of yeast most commonly used is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is also often used to make many beers and breads, though these are cultivated and prepared differently. Unlike these other products, nutritional yeast has been deactivated, which means that it is no longer living and will not produce the effects that live yeast does, such as leavening bread. This deactivation is the result of pasteurizing and drying the yeast. While brewer's yeast often looks similar to this product, it tastes different, so consumers must be cautious when purchasing yeast that they are getting the correct yeast for their uses.

Nutritional yeast.
Nutritional yeast.

As a nutritional supplement, nutritional yeast is considered a good source of protein and B-complex vitamins, as well as other vitamins. It is a complete protein, containing 18 amino acids. Some brands are fortified with vitamin B12, which is added to the yeast. These benefits make deactivated yeast a popular ingredient and condiment in vegan dishes, which may lack these qualities. Being low in both fat and sodium, the product is often used as a condiment in the place of cheese, salt, or butter for vegans and non-vegans alike.

Nutritional yeast tablets.
Nutritional yeast tablets.

While nutritional yeast is popular with vegans and vegetarians for its health benefits, it is also a standard condiment in some areas. Even people without diet restrictions enjoy it for flavor alone. The product is available packaged under many brand names in different countries all over the world, though it is often available generically in bulk at these same stores where it is popular. While the product gained a surge in popularity in the late 20th century, it is commonly said that ancient Egyptians used nutritional yeast as early as 1550 BC, so it has a long history of dietary use.

Nutritional yeast can be sprinkled on popcorn to add a cheesy taste.
Nutritional yeast can be sprinkled on popcorn to add a cheesy taste.

The unique flavor of nutritional yeast makes it a popular ingredient in vegan cheeses, both manufactured and homemade. It is also used as an ingredient when cooking casseroles, sauces, and other savory foods. As a condiment, it is often sprinkled on potatoes, salads, or popcorn. The possible uses of nutritional yeast are as broad as the cook who uses it desires, and new uses for the product continue to surface as usage becomes more common.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

@MikeMason-- I think nutritional yeast is healthier and safer. Brewer's yeast is a by-product of beer production but nutritional yeast is grown on molasses or sugar cane specifically as a food supplement.

I also like the flavor, it's so good sprinkled on cheese flavored popcorn.

stoneMason

@ankara-- I think you mixed up brewer's yeast and nutritional yeast. They're two different types of yeast. They both contain some of the same vitamins and are rich in protein. But brewer's yeast also has a lot of chromium while nutritional yeast has little to none.

I think it's chromium that's beneficial for many health conditions including diabetes and acne. You should ask your pharmacist about this. Brewer's yeast is also available in capsules because it tastes very bitter whereas nutritional yeast is often sold in bulk and taken with food or drinks.

Nutritional yeast has benefits too, especially for vegans and vegetarians. But for acne, you should try brewer's yeast.

bluedolphin

Nutritional yeast really tastes like cheese. I didn't like the flavor at all but used it for several weeks because I heard it's good for acne. But it made no difference in my skin at all.

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    • Nutritional yeast.
      By: Stephanie Frey
      Nutritional yeast.
    • Nutritional yeast tablets.
      By: Vidady
      Nutritional yeast tablets.
    • Nutritional yeast can be sprinkled on popcorn to add a cheesy taste.
      By: Przemyslaw Sitek
      Nutritional yeast can be sprinkled on popcorn to add a cheesy taste.
    • As a nutritional supplement, nutritional yeast is considered a good source of protein and vitamins.
      By: diego cervo
      As a nutritional supplement, nutritional yeast is considered a good source of protein and vitamins.