If you're new to a plant-based or vegan diet, you may wonder what nutritional yeast is and how to use it in recipes. In this article, I'll tell you what you need to know about nutritional yeast and give you 10 recipes you can use today!
What is nutritional yeast?
Nooch is slang for nutritional yeast. It is a deactivated form of yeast commonly used as a food ingredient and dietary supplement. It is made from a single-celled organism called Saccharomyces cerevisiae, grown on molasses or other nutrient-rich medium and then harvested, washed, and dried with heat to deactivate it.
It's important to note that nutritional yeast differs from baker's or brewer's. These live yeasts are used for fermenting and leavening bread and beer. Since nooch is a deactivated yeast, it cannot be used as a leavening agent.
How does it taste?
Nutritional yeast has a cheesy, nutty flavor. When using nooch, it's important to remember that a little goes a long way. So start with a small amount and adjust to taste. Use it in your food or recipes as you would use spice. The umami, cheesy flavor profile makes this easy to incorporate into many savory dishes.
Is nooch healthy?
Nooch offers a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the benefits:
- Rich in nutrients: It is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals and is particularly rich in B vitamins, which are important for energy production, brain function, and healthy skin, hair, and nails.
- May support immune function: It contains beta-glucans, a type of fiber shown to support immune function and help the body fight off infections.
- May improve digestion: Nutritional yeast is a natural source of enzymes, which can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut.
- May support healthy blood sugar levels: It contains chromium, a mineral that helps regulate blood sugar levels and may be particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
- May help with weight management: It is low in calories and high in protein and fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied after meals and support healthy weight management.
Who should not consume nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast is generally considered safe for most people. However, some individuals should avoid consuming it. Here are some groups of people who should not consume nutritional yeast and why:
- People with yeast allergies: Some people may be allergic to yeast, and consuming nutritional yeast could trigger an allergic reaction. If you have a yeast allergy, you should avoid nutritional yeast.
- People with Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases: It contains beta-glucans, a type of fiber that can stimulate the immune system and trigger inflammation in people with Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Medications: Certain medications can interact with nutritional yeast. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Visit Web MD for more information.
It's always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to determine whether nutritional yeast is a good choice based on your health needs and concerns.
Where can I find nutritional yeast, and how do I use it?
Nutritional yeast is often sold in flake or powder form. It is usually found in the baking aisle of larger grocery stores. They don't always taste the same, so shop around for your favorite. I buy Anthony's Nutritional Yeast from Amazon.
Nutritional yeast can be used in a variety of ways. Some popular uses include:
- Easily add a savory flavor to baked goods. Mix it with the flour and other seasonings to create a flavorful bread or pizza dough crust.
- Vegan cheese sauces like my Best Nut Free Vegan Cheese Sauce or Easy Vegan Cashew Cheese Sauce.
- Sprinkling it over popcorn or roasted vegetables for a savory, cheesy flavor.
- Mixing it into pasta dishes, stews, or soup like Healthy Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup for added flavor and nutrition.
- Adding it to salads for a nutritional boost.
- Use nutritional yeast in these delicious plant-based recipes: Vegan Mac and Cheese, Best Vegan Lasagna, Vegan Quiche, or High Protein Lupini Seitan.
10 Tasty Recipes With Nutritional Yeast
For more information and sources about nutritional yeast, visit:
Regi Pearce says
I love this guide! Nutritional yeast is such a game-changer—I use it on everything from popcorn to pasta.