What is Nutritional Yeast + 10 Healthy Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is nutritional yeast and is it healthy? ›

Nutritional yeast is commonly sold as granules or flakes. It has a rich yellow color and a savory taste. It's a good source of protein, fiber, and B vitamins. Animal products are the most common sources of vitamin B12, so for people who avoid eating animal products B12 can be especially important.

People can add it as a savory seasoning to a variety of dishes, including pasta, vegetables, and salads. Some ways to use nutritional yeast include: sprinkling it on popcorn instead of butter or salt. mixing it into risotto instead of Parmesan cheese.

No consensus exists regarding how much nutritional yeast a person can eat daily. But eating even a 5 g serving per day can benefit you. However, you may want to start with 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast per day. You can increase that amount if you do not have any reaction.

Most often, it's used to add cheesy flavor to plant-based recipes, like my Vegan Mac and Cheese. There, it creates the umami that Parmesan or cheddar cheese would add to regular mac.

People with a sensitivity to yeast products should not consume nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast may also worsen symptoms in people with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease. Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of fiber. A two tablespoon serving contains about 20% of your daily intake.

Although nutritional yeast is generally safe for most people, it may cause negative reactions in individuals who are sensitive to it. In large doses, it can cause digestive discomfort or facial flushing due to its high-fiber and niacin content, respectively.

You do not need to refrigerate nutritional yeast, so you may see it stored in bulk bins in health food stores or grocery stores. It has a shelf life of about two years when stored correctly; keep nutritional yeast in a jar on the countertop or in a cool, dark place like a pantry.

Nutritional yeast is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory plant compounds. Every day, our cells work tirelessly to protect themselves against free radicals, molecules that can damage and ultimately destroy the healthy cells in your body.

Scrambled Eggs

Nutritional yeast is all you need to add a savoury (and healthy) kick to this go-to breakfast. Just whisk in 1 Tbsp with two eggs, 1/4 tsp salt and 1 Tbsp of milk (dairy or plant-based). Cook slowly in a non-stick pan over medium heat.

If you're trying to watch your blood pressure, nutritional yeast can be your go-to salt swap. Nutritional yeast has zero sodium in it but plenty of flavor, so you can sprinkle it onto foods you'd normally salt, such as eggs or broccoli.

Is nutritional yeast healthier than cheese? ›

While a drawback of many cheeses is the high level of saturated fats, nutritional yeast is fat-free, “which is great for anyone watching their cholesterol, and much more heart-healthy in general.” On top of that, nutritional yeast is sugar-free, gluten-free, and sodium-free, despite its naturally savory flavor.

Nutritional yeast: eating just 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast contains more than the full daily value (DV) for vitamin B12 and 480% of the DV for vitamin B6. Studies have found significant correlations between B12 and duration of sleep, while B6 helps boost serotonin levels, which, when depleted, disrupt sleep.

Nutritional yeast is a beloved flavor booster among plant-based eaters. Also known as "nooch," this gold-hued dust has a rich, fermented, "cheesy" flavor, that, when blended with ingredients such as nuts, beans, and cooked starchy vegetables, perfectly mimics a creamy, cheese sauce.

Heat oil over low heat, then stir in flour to make a paste. Slowly add soy milk and heat, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened. Stir in nutritional yeast, mustard, garlic, and salt. Cook for a minute or two, then stir in cooked pasta.

Helps Alleviate IBS

Nutritional yeast may help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome, which is one of the most common gut disorders in the U.S. A 2015 study found that nutritional yeast consumption significantly reduced abdominal pain and discomfort in people with IBS.

Nutritional yeast is a product commonly fortified with vitamin B12 and often recommended for use in patients consuming plant-predominant diets to reduce the risk of deficiency. Approximately 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast contain the amount equal to the US RDA (2.4 mcg/day) for adults.

While it can be safely consumed by itself, it's rather bitter and unpalatable. Nutritional yeast, on the other hand, is fermented on sugar cane or beet molasses. It's then heat-treated to become inactive, meaning you can't use it to make bread.

Some yeasts have a prebiotic effect and support gut health. Other yeasts are an excellent anti-allergenic protein source.