Using Nutritional Yeast: Benefits, Recipes & Tips

Introduction

Nutritional yeast has been around for centuries, but it’s recently become a popular item on plant-based and vegan diets. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated form of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, which is full of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It has a nutty, cheesy flavor that can be used as a condiment or seasoning for many dishes, as well as a topping for popcorn and snack foods.

Incorporating nutritional yeast into your diet has a number of health benefits, including providing an excellent source of vitamin B12, protein, and fiber. It’s also low in fat and sodium, and can be used to replace cheese and milk in some recipes. In this article, we’ll take a look at the basics of nutritional yeast, explore different types of nutritional yeast and their benefits, and provide recipes and tips for incorporating nutritional yeast into your diet.

Create a Recipe Round-Up: Showcase Delicious Ways to Use Nutritional Yeast

One of the best ways to get creative with nutritional yeast is to use it in recipes. Here are some delicious and easy recipes that showcase the versatility of nutritional yeast.

Savory Dishes

Nutritional yeast can be used to create a variety of savory dishes, from macaroni and cheese to vegan “chicken” nuggets. Try these tasty recipes:

• Vegan Mac and Cheese: This creamy vegan mac and cheese recipe uses nutritional yeast to create a cheesy flavor without any dairy. (Source)
• Vegan “Chicken” Nuggets: These vegan “chicken” nuggets are made with just a few ingredients, including nutritional yeast. (Source)
• Veggie Burgers: Make your own veggie burgers with nutritional yeast for a savory, flavorful meal. (Source)

Sweet Treats

Nutritional yeast isn’t just for savory dishes — it can also be used to make sweet treats. Try these recipes that incorporate nutritional yeast into desserts:

• Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add a nutritional boost to your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe by using nutritional yeast. (Source)
• Vegan Cheesecake: This vegan cheesecake recipe uses nutritional yeast for a rich and creamy flavor. (Source)
• Banana Bread: Add a nutty flavor to your next banana bread recipe with nutritional yeast. (Source)

Snacks

If you’re looking for a quick snack, try adding nutritional yeast to popcorn, crackers, or chips. Here are some tasty recipes to try:

• Cheesy Popcorn: Add a cheesy flavor to popcorn with nutritional yeast. (Source)
• Cheesy Crackers: Make your own cheesy crackers with nutritional yeast. (Source)
• Avocado Chips: Give avocado chips a nutritional boost with nutritional yeast. (Source)

Introduce the Basics: What is Nutritional Yeast and How Do You Use it?

Before you start experimenting with recipes, it’s important to understand the basics of nutritional yeast. Here’s what you need to know:

Nutritional Content

Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of B-vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B12. It’s also a good source of protein and fiber, and is low in fat and sodium.

Different Types of Nutritional Yeast

There are several different types of nutritional yeast, including Red Star Nutritional Yeast, Bob’s Red Mill Nutritional Yeast, Bragg Nutritional Yeast, and others. Each type of nutritional yeast has its own unique flavor and nutritional content.

How to Store Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can also be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for longer periods of time.

How to Use Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast can be used as a condiment or seasoning for savory dishes, such as soups, salads, sauces, and casseroles. It can also be used as a topping for popcorn, chips, crackers, and other snack foods. For sweet dishes, such as cookies and cakes, nutritional yeast can be added to the batter or sprinkled on top.

Spotlight Different Types of Nutritional Yeast and Their Benefits

Now that you know the basics, let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of nutritional yeast and their benefits.

Red Star Nutritional Yeast

Red Star Nutritional Yeast is a popular brand of nutritional yeast that is fortified with vitamin B12. It has a nutty, cheesy flavor that is perfect for adding to savory dishes, such as macaroni and cheese, and it can also be used as a topping for popcorn and other snacks.

Bob’s Red Mill Nutritional Yeast

Bob’s Red Mill Nutritional Yeast is another popular brand of nutritional yeast. It is non-GMO and gluten-free, and is fortified with vitamin B12. It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that is perfect for adding to sweet dishes, such as cookies and cakes.

Bragg Nutritional Yeast

Bragg Nutritional Yeast is a vegan-friendly brand of nutritional yeast that is fortified with vitamin B12. It has a nutty, cheesy flavor that is perfect for adding to savory dishes, such as soups and casseroles. It can also be used as a topping for popcorn and other snacks.

Other Brands

In addition to the brands mentioned above, there are several other brands of nutritional yeast available. Be sure to read the label to make sure the product is fortified with vitamin B12 and check the ingredients to make sure it’s vegan-friendly.

Compare Nutritional Yeast to Other Plant-Based Alternatives

Nutritional yeast is often used as a plant-based alternative for cheese and milk. Here’s how it compares to other plant-based alternatives:

Cheese Alternatives

Nutritional yeast can be used as a cheese alternative in many recipes, including macaroni and cheese, pizza, and veggie burgers. It has a nutty, cheesy flavor that is perfect for adding to savory dishes.

Milk Alternatives

Nutritional yeast can also be used as a milk alternative in some recipes, such as pancakes and waffles. It adds a nutty, cheesy flavor to the dish without the need for dairy.

Highlight Nutritional Yeast’s Health Benefits

In addition to being a tasty and versatile ingredient, nutritional yeast also has a number of health benefits. Here are some of the most notable benefits:

Vitamin B12

Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of vitamin B12, which is essential for brain and nerve function, energy production, and red blood cell formation. It’s important for vegans and vegetarians to include dietary sources of vitamin B12 in their diets.

Protein

Nutritional yeast is a good source of protein, making it a great addition to vegetarian and vegan diets. One tablespoon of nutritional yeast has four grams of protein, which is equivalent to one ounce of chicken breast.

Fiber

Nutritional yeast is a good source of fiber, which is important for digestive health and helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied. One tablespoon of nutritional yeast has two grams of fiber.

Share Tips for Incorporating Nutritional Yeast into Your Diet

Now that you know the basics of nutritional yeast, here are some tips for incorporating it into your diet:

Start Slowly

Nutritional yeast has a strong flavor, so it’s best to start slowly and add more as needed. Start with a teaspoon of nutritional yeast in a dish and work your way up to a tablespoon or more.

Experiment with Different Recipes

Nutritional yeast can be used in a variety of recipes, from savory dishes to sweet treats. Experiment with different recipes to find ones that you like.

Make It Part of Your Routine

Once you’ve found some recipes you like, make them part of your regular routine. Incorporating nutritional yeast into your diet is a great way to get the health benefits and enjoy the delicious flavor.

Conclusion

Nutritional yeast is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, from savory dishes to sweet treats. It’s an excellent source of B-vitamins, protein, and fiber, and is low in fat and sodium. Incorporating nutritional yeast into your diet is a great way to get the health benefits and enjoy the delicious flavor.