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.
Wow! What an informative article, I had no idea about nutritional yeast or how to use it LOL! Thank you!
Such a great introductory post to nutritional yeast. I have heard about this for so many times and yup, still haven’t managed to give it a try. It sounds like it’s something I need to grab on my next Whole Food or Trader Joe visit 🙂
Yes! Definitely give it a try! It’s delicious!
This is perfect. I. Ought some a while back and have yet to use it!
I only bought some the other day and I was going to make kale crisps with it. I can’t wait to try it.
I just came across nutritional yeast in our market and had no idea what it was for. Thank you for this primer!
i’m trying to go vegan too, and I’ve been hearing a LOT about nutritional yeast! I think it’s time I picked up a bag! Thanks for all this great info!
Years ago, I tried nutritional yeast and was not impressed. I think it is time to give it another try. I had no idea how nutritious it is.
I literally just bought nutritional yeast for the first time the other day without a real plan on how to use it. Thanks for the suggestions, that farro dish sounds like a winner!
I’ve never heard of nutritional yeast before so have never tried it. Had I heard the term I probably would have thought it had gluten if I took a quick guess.
Wow, that was a really good read. I didn’t know much about nutritional yeast but now I know. I think I’ll incorporate it into my meals. Thanks.