Being Vegan: What is Nutritional Yeast?

Nutritional yeast is maybe the yummiest thing you’ve never heard of that doesn’t sound yummy at all. We know, the name is lackluster and the descriptor vague. But next time you spot some at your market, grab it. Nutritional yeast is a staple of the vegan (and many not-vegan) diets, praised for how versatile and healthy it is. But what is it? We’ll tell you.

What is nutritional yeast?

It’s an inactive form of the same yeast that you can use in baked goods. It’s grown with nutrients and water than dried out and broken into pieces or flakes. It has a bright yellow color and is sold in bags or canisters; you can find it in most health food stores. [pagebreak]

Ok. Why should I try it?

Well, nutritional yeast is a mainstay in vegan diets because it’s naturally dairy, egg, nut, and corn-free and has a savory quality that makes it a great substitution for cheese. Mix it with coconut milk and a few spices and you have a luxe and creamy sauce to slather on macaroni, tossed with olive oil and salt and you have something that’s remarkably like parmesan.

So it’s a substitute for cheese?

It’s that and more! Think about it as a grated cheese but remember that you can sprinkle it on anything, even without mixing it with other ingredients: on salads, on veggies, in pastas, on eggs.

Is it healthy?

It is. Though it’s quite savory, it has no added sodium. And it’s packed with protein. Though the number varies from brand to brand, just a tablespoon serving has about 20 calories and about three grams of protein. And a lot of brands (though not all) fortify their yeast with B12, an essential vitamin for brain health. It’s also a great ingredient to keep around: stored in the fridge, it will last about two years!