If you're looking for a tasty, healthy way to add some umami flavor to your favorite dishes, look no further than nutritional yeast! With just 60 calories per 3 tbsp (15 g) serving, it's a relatively low-calorie seasoning option that's packed with nutrients and protein.

Nutritional yeast is a type of yeast typically grown on molasses, and then harvested, heated, and dried to make the flakes or powder that you see sold in stores. The yeast undergoes a process called autolysis, which is what gives it its unique flavor profile and results in the release of several important micronutrients. Some brands may also add vitamin B12 to their nutritional yeast, which can be helpful for vegans or vegetarians who may struggle to get enough of this vitamin through diet alone.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about nutritional yeast - from its benefits and side effects, to how to incorporate it into your diet, and even some delicious recipes to try!

What is Nutritional Yeast and How it is Made?

Nutritional yeast is a type of yeast that's grown specifically for use as a food product. It's typically grown on a medium of molasses or sugar cane, and then harvested and fermented. After the yeast has fermented, it undergoes a special process called autolysis. This essentially means that the cell walls of the yeast are broken down, causing the release of a variety of micronutrients. The yeast is then heated and dried, and usually sold in the form of flakes or a powder. One thing to note is that nutritional yeast isn't the same as the kind of yeast you would use in bread-making or other types of baking. Nutritional yeast won't cause bread to rise, for example, because it's been deactivated during the drying process.

Nutritional Yeast Nutrition Facts

Nutritional yeast is a highly nutritious food product that's packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of micronutrients. Here are the basic nutrition facts for a 3 tbsp (15 g) serving of nutritional yeast: calories: 60 Protein: 9 g

Benefits of Nutritional Yeast

There are many potential benefits to incorporating nutritional yeast into your diet. Here are a few of the most notable ones to consider: 1. Rich in nutrients: Nutritional yeast is especially high in B vitamins, which are essential for energy metabolism, immune function, and more. It's also a good source of protein and fiber. 2. Vegan-friendly source of vitamin B12: Some brands of nutritional yeast are fortified with vitamin B12, which can be difficult for vegans and vegetarians to get enough of through their diets alone. Choosing a B12-fortified nutritional yeast can help bridge this gap.

Nutritional Yeast Vs Active Dry Yeast

While nutritional yeast and active dry yeast might look similar, they actually serve very different purposes. Here's a quick rundown of what sets them apart: Nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that's used primarily as a seasoning or nutritional supplement. It's not a rising agent, so it won't help dough to rise like traditional active dry yeast would. Active dry yeast: Active dry yeast, on the other hand, is a type of living yeast that's used to help dough rise in bread-making and other types of baking.

How to Add Nutritional Yeast to Your Diet?

There are many ways to incorporate nutritional yeast into your diet. Here are a few ideas to get you started: 1. Use it as a seasoning: Nutritional yeast has a distinct, savory flavor that makes it a great addition to soups, stews, roasted vegetables, popcorn, and more. 2. Use it as a topping: Sprinkle nutritional yeast on top of pasta dishes, salads, or avocado toast for a boost of flavor and nutrition.

Can Nutritional Yeast Cause Side Effects?

In general, nutritional yeast is considered safe for most people to consume. However, there are a few potential side effects to be aware of: 1. Allergies: Some people may be allergic to yeast or other components of nutritional yeast, so it's always a good idea to start with a small amount and watch for any adverse reactions. 2. Gout: Nutritional yeast is high in purines, which can contribute to flare-ups of gout in some people. If you have gout, you may want to limit your intake of nutritional yeast and other high-purine foods.

Who Should Avoid Nutritional Yeast?

While nutritional yeast is generally safe for most people to consume, there are a few groups who may want to avoid it or limit their intake. These include: 1. People with yeast allergies or sensitivities 2. People with gout or a history of gout flare-ups

Nutritional Yeast: A Vegan Superfood

For vegans and vegetarians, nutritional yeast is a particularly valuable food product. Not only is it a great source of plant-based protein, but it's also often fortified with vitamin B12 - a nutrient that can be difficult to come by in a vegan diet. Nutritional yeast is also incredibly versatile, and can be used in a range of recipes to add flavor and nutrition to meals.

How to Store Nutritional Yeast?

Nutritional yeast should be stored in a cool, dry place - ideally in an airtight container. This will help prevent moisture from getting in, which could cause the yeast to clump or spoil more quickly. If stored properly, nutritional yeast should stay fresh for up to six months.

Nutritional Yeast Recipes

If you're looking for some delicious ways to use nutritional yeast in your cooking, here are a few recipes to try!