What is nutritional yeast?
You might associate yeast with baking but nutritional yeast is more about adding flavour and nutrition. Made from deactivated yeast (so it doesn’t ferment), nutritional yeast usually comes in yellowy flakes of granules.
Generally, you can use it as you would any seasoning but as it has a slightly cheesy flavour it’s become popular among the vegan crowd, often as a substitute for parmesan.
Health benefits of nutritional yeast
One of the great things about nutritional yeast is that it’s packed with B vitamins.
“[Nutritional yeast] is a rich source of B vitamins and is available with added vitamin B12,” says Amber Sewell, Dietitian at Newtown Nutrition. “It also contains some minerals such as iron, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium.”
Sometimes called ‘Nooch’ or vegan parmesan, nutritional yeast can be sprinkled on popcorn, pasta, soups and stews to add a savoury depth of flavour.
What does it taste like?
Nutritional yeast has a salty, slightly cheesy taste. It’s not overpowering but it definitely adds an extra level of flavour.
You could liken it to salt or gomasio (sesame salt) in that by adding it to any dish it enhances the flavour that’s already there.
Try this recipe for Best Oven-Roasted Broccoli from Killing Thyme.
or this Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup from foodfaithfitness.com
Delicious!
Where can you buy nutritional yeast?
Both Woolworths and Coles sell their own brands of nutritional yeast. But there are plenty of varieties available in Australia and every health food store will stock at least one brand if not many.
- Bragg Premium Nutritional Yeast Seasoning
- Bob’s Red Mill Large Flake Nutritional Yeast (gluten free)
- The Source Nutritional Yeast Flakes Toasted
If you’re tempted to try this healthy cheese alternative sprinkle it on pizza for a healthy dairy substitute.
This Vegan Pesto Pizza by delishknowledge.com is a delicious place to start.
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