Nutritional Yeast is classified as a nutritional food supplement. It is derived from fermenting yeast, among other things. Depending on your taste buds or how you use it, it can take on a salty, nutty, cheesy or buttery flavor. Vegans tend to use it in place of cheese in recipes. It comes in flake or powder form and can be used as part of a recipe or as a condiment.
Is it healthy?
Yes, Nutritional Yeast is usually fortified with B12 (make sure it is), making it an excellent source for this essential vitamin, which is lacking in a vegan/vegetarian diet. Nutritional Yeast is low in fat and sodium and free of dairy, sugar & gluten. Typically free of preservatives, it also contains protein, fiber and essential amino acids. Depending on the brand it may contain B vitamins, niacin, folic acid, zinc and selenium. But to be honest, I use it for the taste & the B12, everything else is just a bonus.
Where to get it...
Nutritional Yeast is a very popular item in the bulk bins of "healthy" grocery stores. It's a great bargain because it weighs next to nothing, so you can get a lot and pay very little - I stock up this way when the opportunity presents itself.
It can also be found in the supplement section of health food stores.
It can also be found in the supplement section of health food stores.
I typically get my Nutritional Yeast from Vitacost.com, because I don't have a "healthy" grocery store nearby. They sell Bob's Red Mill for $9 for an 8oz. bag. A little more than I suspect I would pay at the bulk bin, but this one is a convenience factor. Or you can get a handy dandy shaker by Red Star for $4 for an 5oz. bottle. I like them both.
What to do with it...
I use it as a flavor enhancer, particularly when I'm looking for a cheesy or buttery taste. You can use it as a topping/add-in for just about everything - pizza, scrambled tofu, garlic bread, stir-fry, spaghetti, casseroles, chili, soups, mashed potatoes, gravies, cheese sauce... Many times, vegan mac & cheese recipes will rely heavily on Nutritional Yeast. It also makes a great topping for popcorn - spray popcorn with a little Bragg Liquid Aminos and then mix in some Nutritional Yeast - cheesy popcorn!
Where to put it...
Store it in a cool, dry place (hmm, your cabinet perhaps). I like to store mine in a glass mason jar (along with ever other dry-good in my kitchen).
Where to put it...
Store it in a cool, dry place (hmm, your cabinet perhaps). I like to store mine in a glass mason jar (along with ever other dry-good in my kitchen).
At first you may think, "This tastes nothing like cheese!" Give it a fair chance, eventually your taste buds will come around and in the absence of real cheese, this stuff may become your new best friend.
Keep It Healthy!
The Hoff
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