Nutritional yeast, also known as nooch, is a popular food product that is used in many plant-based recipes. However, you don’t need to be vegan to enjoy this nutritional food.
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What Is Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional yeast (nooch) comes from a strain of yeast known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It comes from the same type of yeast used to bake bread and brew beer, but the main difference is that it is not active.
Because nutritional yeast is not alive, it will not ferment bread or brew beer. It is used primarily for flavor and nutrition.
Types Of Nutritional Yeast
There are two types of nutritional yeast fortified and unfortified.
- Fortified nutritional yeast – this is the most common type. Additional vitamins and minerals are added to the yeast to boost its nutritional content. These synthetic vitamins are added during the manufacturing process.
- Unfortified nutritional yeast – is the natural form of nutritional yeast with only natural vitamins and minerals.
How Is It Sold
Nutritional yeast can be purchased in flakes, granules, or powders. It can be purchased loose in bulk bins from health food stores or prepacked bags from most grocery stores.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional value can vary depending on the manufacturing process. So it’s best to check the nutritional information on the pack you purchased if you are after specific details.
But in general nutritional yeast is a good source of protein, vitamin B12, and folic acid for people on a plant-based diet.
Using Nutritional Yeast
The reason for using nutritional yeast in plant-based diets is not only for nutrition but for flavor. It is the only plant-based food that has a cheesy umami flavor.
How To Store
Store nutritional yeast in a cool dark place to preserve the vitamins. Store it in a dry and airtight container and keep it away from moisture.
Nutritional Yeast Recipes
- Scrambled silken tofu
- Tofu cream cheese substitute
- TVP bacon bits substitute
- Tofu pasta sauce
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