This article provides an overview of nutritional yeast, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make nutritional yeast substitutes.
What is Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional yeast is a type of deactivated yeast, often from the strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is sold as yellow flakes or powder and used commercially as a food product. It is very popular in vegan cooking as an alternative to cheese or as a condiment. It is a significant source of B-complex vitamins and is often fortified with vitamin B12.
What does Nutritional Yeast taste like?
Nutritional yeast has a strong and bold flavor that is described as cheesy or nutty, making it popular as a cheese substitute.
Is Nutritional Yeast readily available in Supermarkets?
Nutritional yeast is often readily available in major supermarkets, usually found with baked goods or free from section. You will also find it in any vegetarian or health food store.
What are some alternative names for Nutritional Yeast?
In most countries there are no alternative names, however in Australia, nutritional yeast is sometimes sold as ‘savory yeast flakes’ and in New Zealand, it is sold as Brufax.
What is a good substitute for Nutritional Yeast in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for nutritional yeast. These include:
- If the substituted ingredient needs to remain vegan, the best alternative is Brewers Yeast, which is a byproduct of the beer brewing process. It has a similar texture, but the flavor is not as cheesy or nutty.
- If you are happy to step away from vegan ingredients, you can use substitute Nutritional Yeast with these cheeses which have similar tastes: