What is Nutritional Yeast & How to Use It
Nutritional yeast was one of the best things I discovered when I first went vegan. I’d seen it on a handful of blogs and I’d considered buying it when I saw it at Trader Joe’s, but I wasn’t sure exactly what it was or how to use it. Once I started playing around with it I realized that it’s not just healthy but it’s also really delicious and easy to use! So I thought I’d share a little bit more about nutritional yeast and why I like it!
What is Nutritional Yeast?
Let’s start with the basics: Nutritional yeast is made from a specially selected strain of yeast, so it’s not the same as the kind of yeast you use to make bread. It’s naturally gluten-free, paleo, kosher, and vegan, so it’s suitable for most types of diets.
What Does Nutritional Yeast Taste Like?
Nutritional yeast has a cheesy, nutty flavor. You know the powdery cheese that sticks to your fingers when you eat “cheese” popcorn? It’s sort of like that… except that it’s natural and good for you! To enhance the cheesy flavor, you usually need to add a little salt, unless the food you’re adding it to is naturally salty.
Is Nutritional Yeast Good for You?
Nutritional yeast is so good for you, especially if you’re a vegetarian or vegan. It contains vitamin B12 which is typically hard to find outside of animal sources. It also has tons of protein. 1/4 cup serving of nutritional yeast has only 60 calories but 8g of protein and 3g of fiber! It’s basically like a healthy, savory protein powder!
What Can You Do with Nutritional Yeast?
What can’t you do with it?! Obviously, it’s delicious sprinkled on things like popcorn but it’s also amazing in soups, stews, or sauces. Many people use it in vegan versions of “queso” with soaked and blended cashews. I love it on these vegan “cheesy” kale chips or in this creamy farro and tomato dish. Sometimes I’ll add it to my vegan macaroni and cheese recipe for an even cheesier flavor!
Does Trader Joe’s Sell Nutritional Yeast?
I hear this question a lot and many people are surprised that Trader Joe’s sells nutritional yeast! It’s true. You can usually find it near the baking products at Trader Joe’s. I really like their brand because it’s high quality but also affordable. Plus, the bag is resealable, so bonus points to Trader Joe’s!
Where Else Can I Buy Nutritional Yeast?
You can usually find it in the natural food section of most major grocery stores. Bob’s Red Mill sells it in bags and Bragg sells it in a parmesan-cheese-style shaker container. If you want to save a few bucks, natural food stores like Whole Foods often sell it in bulk and it’s extremely affordable if you can find it in a bulk bin! It doesn’t weigh very much so a quarter of a pound will last a long time!
How Much Does it Cost?
Nutritional yeast is usually cheapest if you buy it in the bulk bins. But a typical 4 oz container will typically cost around $4-$5 and since you typically only need a small amount in a recipe, it will last a while! Trader Joe’s Nutritional Yeast usually costs $3 for a 4oz bag.
How Long Does Nutritional Yeast Last?
You’ll want to store it in a dark glass or ceramic container in order to keep it protected from the light. You also want to make sure it’s tightly sealed to keep moisture out. I usually keep mine in an airtight container the fridge where it can last up to a year!
Have you tried nutritional yeast?
This post was originally published in March 2017. Updated July 2019.
I love nutritional yeast! I’m actually making a vegan pesto sauce with it tonight!
This is great information. I do use nutritional yeast but actually, didnt know much of the benefit. I wasnt sure if vegans can use it and I’ll share this with my vegan friends.
The salad sounds perfect for spring and I love love love avocado!! The dressing sounds delicious and I would just slather it on everything.
I always have nutritional yeast on hand in my pantry. We love to use it in homemade seitan or I love to make a vegan parmesan cheese topping for garlic bread. It’s such a great and versatile ingredient!
You’ve totallly convinced me to give this a try! Might start off slow and try popcorn first 😉
That’s a good place to start, Emma!
I can’t tell you how very helpful this post is! I’ve never tried nutritional yeast but I see it on so many vegan recipes and always wondered about it. Looking forward to trying it now!
I’m so glad it’s helpful, Marlynn!
I always see this in recipes, but I’ve never used it – obviously that needs to change! Thank you for all of the wonderful information!
It’s so good! Definitely give it a try, Debra!
I have always wondered how vegan recipes have that cheesy flavor! Thank you for sharing all of this great information. I really liked your analogy of the cheesy stuff from popcorn and other things that gets stuck to your fingers. Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
Nutritional yeast is one of those things that’s been on my “to try” list forever but I’m never sure how to use it. Thanks for this post – I have some ideas now! And extra B12 is always a good thing for me.
I love this stuff! My favorite it to sprinkle some on spaghetti!