Nutritional Yeast

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (inactive) Seasoning, Fortified Food

Nutritional Yeast Seasoning, Fortified Food

At a Glance

  • Category Seasoning, Fortified Food

The Forktionary Angle

"The vegan's secret weapon for cheesy, umami goodness."

Definition

An deactivated yeast product, typically fortified, used as a savory condiment to add a cheesy, umami flavor, especially in vegan cuisine.

Protein Content ~50% by weight
Usage as Flavoring Versatile savory booster
Vitamin B12 Source Excellent (when fortified)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Nutritional Yeast are:

Cheesy nutty umami savory

Chef’s Secret

Toast nutritional yeast lightly in a dry pan before adding to dishes. This intensifies its nutty, cheesy flavor.

Best Substitutes

Parmesan cheese

for non-vegans
Ratio 1:1

white miso paste

for umami, adjust salt
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for flakes rather than powder for better texture and less clumping, ideally fortified with B12.

Recipes Using Nutritional Yeast

Equipment Course Main Ingredient Dietary

Basil Pistachio Pesto Raw Recipe

Experience the vibrant, fresh flavors of this raw Basil Pistachio Pesto! This quick and easy recipe from RawGuru.com is perfect for a healthy and delicious meal. Simply blend the ingredients, then toss with your favorite raw shredded vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying lunch or light dinner. Get your raw food fix – it’s unbelievably easy!

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Vegetarian Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less Beans

Basic Soy Burgers

Craving Boca Burgers but want a healthier, homemade option? These yummy soy burgers are the perfect solution! Using canned or cooked soybeans, this recipe is incredibly easy and makes delicious, freezer-friendly patties for quick lunches or dinners. Double or triple the batch and enjoy these flavorful burgers all week long! Discover the satisfying taste of homemade soy burgers – better than takeout and so much more rewarding!

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Dietary Dietary Main Dish 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Seitan Log

Indulge in this incredibly flavorful and semi-spicy baked seitan log! This recipe delivers a satisfyingly hearty texture, perfect for slicing and pan-frying for a crispy exterior, or simmering in your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy twist. The baking process creates a deeply savory flavor, while the optional pan-frying adds a delightful textural contrast. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this show-stopping vegan masterpiece! (Cook time excludes 30-60 minutes cooling time.)

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Main Ingredient Time To Make Vegan Italian

15 Minute Creamy Sun Tomato Basil Cashew Pasta

Ready in just 15 minutes, this creamy cashew pasta is bursting with sun-dried tomato and basil flavor! The cashews create an unbelievably rich and decadent sauce without any heavy cream. A quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal inspired by Half Baked (Pinterest). Perfect for a satisfying and healthy dinner!

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Occasion Potatoes Beans Preparation

Bavarian Vegan Cheese Sauce

Indulge in the creamy, dreamy goodness of this Bavarian Vegan Cheese Sauce! Submitted by Felix Weber from Bavaria, Germany, this recipe is a taste of authentic German cuisine, made completely vegan. Perfect for drizzling over pasta, rice, or your favorite vegetables, this rich and satisfying sauce is ready in just 25 minutes. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less Healthy 2 Course

Bacon With A Vegan

Craving bacon but going plant-based? This recipe delivers the smoky, crispy deliciousness of bacon without the meat! Perfect for sandwiches, salads, stir-fries, or anything that needs a bacon boost. A tweaked and improved Zaar recipe, this vegan bacon is surprisingly realistic and unbelievably easy to make in just 30 minutes.

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3 Steps Or Less Inexpensive Equipment Vegetarian

Almond Energizer

Fuel your day with this creamy, dreamy Almond Energizer! This quick and easy recipe (inspired by #295198) delivers a rich almond delight that's perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a healthy treat. Packed with protein and healthy fats, it's the perfect energy boost. Try it today!

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Low Calorie Low In Something Kid Friendly Smoothies

Banana Raspberry Smoothie

Fuel your day with this delicious and nutritious Banana Raspberry Smoothie! Packed with vitamins, protein, and a creamy peanut butter kick, this smoothie is the perfect quick breakfast, post-workout treat, or healthy snack. Optional nutritional yeast adds a cheesy boost and extra B vitamins. Get your daily dose of deliciousness in just 5 minutes!

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Pasta Rice And Grains Preparation Course Comfort Food

Baked Pasta With Tofu Cheese Vegan

Indulge in this comforting vegan baked pasta, bursting with flavor! Easily customizable with your favorite veggies – mushrooms, olives, peppers, artichoke hearts, or even vegan pepperoni! This recipe, adapted from a Whole Foods Market inspiration, works beautifully with gluten-free pasta. Get ready for a cheesy, satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve with a fresh salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete experience.

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High Fiber Course Healthy High Protein

Dorito Popcorn Seasoning

Transform ordinary popcorn into a fiery, cheesy snack with this ridiculously easy Dorito Popcorn Seasoning recipe! Ready in just 5 minutes, this addictive seasoning blend is perfect for movie nights, parties, or a quick and tasty treat. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Lactose 4 Hours Or Less Main Ingredient Egg Free

Cheesy Vegan Lasagna

Astonish your guests with this unbelievably cheesy vegan lasagna – no cheese required! This recipe, originally inspired by a VegWeb user submission, is a crowd-pleaser that proves plant-based cooking can be incredibly decadent. Get ready for layers of rich, flavorful goodness that will leave everyone wanting more. Perfect for a potluck, dinner party, or a cozy night in.

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Winter Course Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Winter Squash Au Gratin

Impress your guests with this surprisingly easy Baked Winter Squash Au Gratin! This recipe uses any winter squash you have on hand for a creamy, comforting dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Vegetarian Greens 60 Minutes Or Less Easy

Syrian Style Lentil And Chard Soup

Experience the vibrant flavors of Syria with this hearty and healthy lentil and chard soup! Grown in the fog, our chard adds a unique sweetness to this vegan-friendly recipe. Customize it to your liking – add carrots for extra color, adjust spices to your preference, and boost the richness with nutritional yeast (or vegetable broth). This comforting soup is perfect for a chilly evening and comes together in under an hour.

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Easy Preparation Easy 15 Minutes Or Less

Beef Style Seasoning Or Chicken Style

Craving the rich, savory flavor of beef seasoning without the beef? This unbelievably delicious vegan seasoning blend is a game-changer! Inspired by a vegan recipe box, this easy-to-make recipe takes just minutes to whip up and will elevate all your favorite dishes. Perfect for both beef and chicken-style applications, it's a must-have for your pantry. Say goodbye to bland meals and hello to flavor explosion!

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Easy Dietary Easy Healthy 2

All Purpose Vegan Cheese Sauce

Craving creamy, cheesy goodness without the dairy? This versatile vegan cheese sauce is your answer! Made with a mild blend of cashews, nutritional yeast (used sparingly for those sensitive to its flavor), and simple spices, this recipe is incredibly easy to customize. Enjoy it as a simple side over steamed veggies or chips, or spice it up with your favorite additions like cumin, chili powder, diced tomatoes, chili, or vegan taco meat. The possibilities are endless! This recipe is a lighter take on our popular #356853, perfect for those new to vegan cooking or who prefer a less intense nutritional yeast flavor.

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Inexpensive Low Calorie Soy Tofu Low Carb

Basil Tofu Ricotta Non Dairy

This unbelievably creamy vegan ricotta, made with simple ingredients, is a game-changer! Perfect for pasta, lasagna, stuffed shells, or simply spread on toast. Say goodbye to dairy and hello to this unbelievably delicious and easy 10-minute recipe from Vegan With a Vengeance.

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Beans Vegetarian 30 Minutes Or Less Soy Tofu

Baked Tofu Nuggets

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – these baked tofu nuggets are a healthy and delicious alternative to fried chicken! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun appetizer, this simple recipe is packed with flavor and requires minimal cleanup. Get ready to enjoy these addictive tofu nuggets that are surprisingly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make.

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