Nutritional Yeast Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is there any downside to nutritional yeast? ›

Too much nutritional yeast added too quickly to one's diet can cause problems with digestion, such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea. A high-fiber diet is good for digestive health.

People can add it as a savory seasoning to a variety of dishes, including pasta, vegetables, and salads. Some ways to use nutritional yeast include: sprinkling it on popcorn instead of butter or salt. mixing it into risotto instead of Parmesan cheese.

Added To Seasoning

Think of nutritional yeast as a grated Parmesan substitute. It's flaky, dry, and packs an umami punch that gives food a savory side. It can be sprinkled on top of pasta, rice and salad, folded into eggs, and stirred into stew.

Also, check the packaging if you're interested in buying nutritional yeast with vitamin B12, as not all brands are fortified. Store nutritional yeast in a tightly sealed bag or jar in a cool, dark place (or in the refrigerator), and it should keep for about two years.

The fiber in nutritional yeast, beta-glucan, may reduce cholesterol levels. Nutritional yeast is also a low-glycemic food that contains chromium, a mineral that may help regulate your blood sugar. Maintaining good blood sugar and cholesterol levels lowers your risk for diabetes and heart disease.

It is low in calories, fat-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free. Some benefits include its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties, an improved immune system, management of blood sugar, and improvements in heart health.

Some research has suggested that nutritional yeast may be irritating to those with Crohn's disease and other types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). In general, adding too much fiber to your diet too quickly can cause issues like gas, bloating and cramping, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Nutritional yeast may help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome, which is one of the most common gut disorders in the U.S. A 2015 study found that nutritional yeast consumption significantly reduced abdominal pain and discomfort in people with IBS.

Scrambled Eggs

Nutritional yeast is all you need to add a savoury (and healthy) kick to this go-to breakfast. Just whisk in 1 Tbsp with two eggs, 1/4 tsp salt and 1 Tbsp of milk (dairy or plant-based). Cook slowly in a non-stick pan over medium heat.

Can you take nutritional yeast every day? ›

Although nutritional yeast is generally safe for most people, it may cause negative reactions in individuals who are sensitive to it. In large doses, it can cause digestive discomfort or facial flushing due to its high-fiber and niacin content, respectively.

Nutritional yeast is a beloved flavor booster among plant-based eaters. Also known as "nooch," this gold-hued dust has a rich, fermented, "cheesy" flavor, that, when blended with ingredients such as nuts, beans, and cooked starchy vegetables, perfectly mimics a creamy, cheese sauce.

Nutritional yeast is versatile. It can be used as a sprinkle on top of oatmeal or roasted veggies. It's delicious when used in place of Parmesan cheese on pasta, risotto, or soup. Stir some into scrambled eggs or a tofu scramble for a hit of umami.

Yeast is used to add flavor to foods. Nutritional yeast receives its umami flavor from naturally occurring MSG and there are many misperceptions about the safety of MSG. However, MSG is generally recognized as safe by the FDA and there are many foods that have naturally occurring MSG, such as cheese and tomatoes.

While it can be safely consumed by itself, it's rather bitter and unpalatable. Nutritional yeast, on the other hand, is fermented on sugar cane or beet molasses. It's then heat-treated to become inactive, meaning you can't use it to make bread.

Long used as a cheese substitute, nutritional yeast is beloved by vegetarians and vegans looking to add umami to their meals. But it's not just for veg-heads. The savory seasoning brings a cheesy, almost nutty flavor to just about any dish: popcorn, pasta, salad dressing, you name it.