I remember when I first saw nutritional yeast as an ingredient in a recipe. I found the name more than a little off-putting, and I couldn’t imagine what this would add to my dish except for vitamins — maybe. But if you haven’t tasted it before — spoiler alert – it’s actually delicious!
I recently picked up this bag at Trader Joes and tried it and to my surprise LOVED it!
What Is Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional Yeast is a deactivated yeast related to brewer’s yeast, which is used as a fermentation agent in beer making. The yeast is grown on a food source — some brands use molasses — then harvested, heated, dried and crumbled. This process deactivates the yeast, and creates a wonderfully nutty, tasty and versatile ingredient.
To preserve all the B vitamins, store in a dark glass or a ceramic container to keep it protected from the light. Since it’s a dry product, you want to lid tightly sealed to keep moisture out — as long as nutritional yeast stays dry, it can last for up to two years.
It’s Called Nutritional Because…
Just one tablespoon of nutritional yeast can contain*:
- 180% Daily Value B1 (Thiamine)
- 160% Daily Value B2 (Riboflavin)
- 70% Daily Value B3 (Niacin)
- 140% Daily Value B6 (Pyridoxine)
- 40% Daily Value Folic Acid
- 40% Daily Value B12
- 3 grams protein
- 1 gram fiber
B vitamins help support the immune and nervous systems and help us convert food into the store of energy that we depend on each day.
Come on, Does It Really Taste Good?
Nutritional yeast tastes as delicious as it is nutritious. I sprinkled on my salad, and rice an beans so far but Ive heard its delicious on pop corn too!
Where Can You Buy Nutritional Yeast?
You can find Nutritional Yeast in the bulk bin section. The beauty of buying it that way is that you can buy just 1/4 cup to try it out or more than a pound if you love it as much as I do. You can also find packaged nutritional yeast, like Bragg Nutritional Yeast Seasoning, in the spice aisle. I found mine at Trader Joes!
Special Diet Concerns for Nutritional Yeast
Most nutritional yeast is vegetarian, gluten-free and paleo-friendly. Some nutritional yeast can be grown on whey, so be sure to look for a dairy-free or vegan label on the package if you have an allergy.
How to Use Nutritional Yeast
Start with small amounts of nutritional yeast when modifying your favorite recipes. Stir a few tablespoons into a pot of soup, taste, and add more until it’s just right for you. You can also sprinkle over your popcorn or favorite pasta — just like you would Parmesan cheese,
Let me know how you like it!
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