Organic Nutritional Yeast Fast Facts
- grown specifically to be used as a food product
- great as a cheese substitute, condiment or flavoring – has a cheesy, nutty flavor
- very nutritious – high in trace minerals, antioxidants and B vitamins
- low in sodium and calories
- fat-free, sugar-free, gluten-free and vegan
- boosts immunity and has been shown to help prevent the common cold
Organic Nutritional Yeast – What is it?
Both organic nutritional yeast and conventional traditional yeast is a species of yeast known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is the same type of yeast that’s used to bake bread and brew beer, however they are very different products.
Bakers and brewers yeast are purchased alive and used to either leaven bread or brew beer. The yeast is killed in the baking and brewing process leaving an earthy, yeasty flavor in bread and a very bitter product left over from the brewing process.
Nutritional yeast is grown specifically to be used as a food product. The yeast cells are killed during manufacturing and are not alive in the final product. It is used in cooking and as a condiment and has a cheesy, nutty, savory flavor.
To produce nutritional yeast, S. cerevisiae cells are grown for several days on a sugar-rich medium like molasses. The yeast is then deactivated with heat, harvested, washed, dried, crumbled and packaged for distribution.
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Organic Nutritional Yeast is (Not Surprisingly) Very Nutritious
Nutritional yeast is a great source of protein, B vitamins and trace minerals.
Fortified nutritional yeast contains more vitamins than unfortified varieties. However, unfortified varieties still contain a moderate amount of B vitamins, which form naturally as the yeast grows.
Some of the main nutritional benefits of nutritional yeast include:
- Nutritional yeast is a complete protein. One tablespoon contains 2 grams of protein, making it an easy way to add high-quality protein to meals.
- It contains many B vitamins. One tablespoon of nutritional yeast contains 30–180% of the recommended daily intake for B vitamins.
- It contains trace minerals. One tablespoon contains 2–30% of the recommended daily intake for trace minerals, such as zinc, selenium, manganese and molybdenum. Trace minerals are involved in gene regulation, metabolism, growth and immunity.
- May help prevent the common cold. According to a recent study the recurrence of infections with the common cold was reduced by 25% in those that ate the equivalent of about a spoonful of nutritional yeast a day, and they had fewer cold-related sleeping difficulties when they did get sick.
- It contains powerful antioxidants. Nutritional yeast contains the powerful antioxidants glutathione and selenomethionine. These particular antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals and heavy metals and help your body eliminate environmental toxins.
- Nutritional yeast may boost immunity. Studies in animals have shown that nutritional yeast boosts immunity by helping to protect against infection by stopping pathogenic bacteria from attaching to the lining of the intestines and stimulating immune cells, making them more effective at fighting infection.
- It may help lower cholesterol. The beta-glucan found in nutritional yeast may also lower cholesterol. Beta-glucan is also found in oats where extensive research has found significant cholesterol reduction in human studies.
Fortified vs Unfortified Nutritional Yeast
There are two types of nutritional yeast — unfortified and fortified.
- Unfortified Nutritional Yeast does not contain any added vitamins or minerals. It only contains the vitamins and minerals that are naturally produced by the yeast cells as they grow.
- Fortified Nutritional Yeast contains synthetic vitamins added during the manufacturing process (usually vitamin B12 and other B vitamins) to boost nutrient content. If vitamins have been added to the yeast, they will be included in the ingredients list.
Fortified nutritional yeast is the most common type available. If you are using nutritional yeast to add extra vitamins and minerals to your diet, look for fortified varieties with higher amounts of added nutrients.
Why Most Vegans Include Nutritional Yeast in Their Diet
Given that yeast is a living organism, some people wonder whether it can be included in a vegan diet.
However, unlike animals, yeasts do not have a nervous system. This means that they don’t experience pain — which completely differentiates them from animals.
Since eating yeast does not cause it to suffer and involves no animal exploitation or cruelty, yeast is typically considered a vegan food. Although, a very small minority of vegans may still avoid it, as it is a living organism.
How to Use Organic Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is sold as flakes, granules or powder and can be found in the spice or bulk section of health food stores. It is a versatile food that works with nearly any type of diet or eating style and should be part of any whole food plant based diet. It is naturally low in sodium and calories, as well as fat-free, sugar-free, gluten-free and vegan.
Nutritional yeast is used in the following ways:
- Sprinkled over popcorn or pasta
- Stirred into soups for an umami flavor
- As a “cheese” flavoring in vegan sauces
- As a thickener for soups and sauces
- Added to pet food for extra nutrients
Nutritional yeast is safe to use in moderation, typically up to several tablespoons per day, however people who are allergic to yeast should avoid it. It should be stored in a cool, dark place to preserve its vitamins. Nutritional yeast should also be kept tightly sealed to keep moisture out. When properly stored, it can last up to two years.
Where to Buy Organic Nutritional Yeast
Organic nutritional yeast that was grown on organic molasses is relatively hard to find. The LOOV organic brand, which I have listed below, is a great product and the best I have found. You can usually find conventional, fortified and unfortified nutritional yeast at your local health food store. However, I have also included a high quality, inexpensive fortified nutritional yeast in the list below.
Unfortified Organic Nutritional Yeast
LOOV Organic Non-Fortified Nutritional Yeast Flakes
- Toasted – Vegan
- Non-GMO – Gluten Free
- Good Source of B-Vitamins
- No Added Vitamins or Sugar
- 8 Ounces (227 grams) – Resealable Bag
Simply Organic Non Fortified Nutritional Yeast
- Organic, deactivated yeast in flake form
- Non-GMO – No ETO – Vegan
- 1.32 Ounces (37.4) grams – Glass Spice Jar
Fortified Nutritional Yeast
Anthony’s Premium Fortified Nutritional Yeast Flakes
- Fortified with B Vitamins including Folic Acid and B12
- Non GMO – Gluten Free – Vegan
- 1 lb (454 grams) – Resealable Bag
- Made in the USA