How to Use Nutritional Yeast: 4 Ways to Use Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is a dried and deactivated yeast that adds a cheesy flavor to dishes. You do not need to refrigerate nutritional yeast, so you may see it stored in bulk bins in health food stores or grocery stores. It has a shelf life of about two years when stored correctly; keep nutritional yeast in a jar on the countertop or in a cool, dark place like a pantry. Secure your jar with an airtight lid to keep the contents dry.

This type of yeast offers several health benefits that make it a versatile topping for many diets. Nutritional yeast is:

1. 1. Gluten-free and dairy-free: Nutritional yeast flakes add a cheesy flavor to dishes without animal products or gluten. Cooks often use nutritional yeast as a vegan Parmesan alternative that contains less cholesterol.
2. 2. High in protein: As a complete protein (meaning it includes all nine of the essential amino acids), nutritional yeast offers almost eight grams of protein for every two tablespoons.
3. 3. Rich in vitamins and nutrients: Nutritional yeast is a good source of niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, amino acids, folic acids, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and minerals, such as potassium and calcium.

You can use nutritional yeast to make vegan versions of popular dishes if you follow a vegan diet. Here are four ways to add the rich flavor of nutritional yeast to your meals:

1. 1. Add flavor to kale chips. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor to vegan foods. You can add nutritional yeast to Ron Finley’s baked kale chips recipe after you toss the kale with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. 2. Sprinkle it over dishes. Garnish dishes with nutritional yeast the same way you would sprinkle Parmesan cheese on pasta dishes, salads, or soups. Try sprinkling it over baked potatoes or mashed potatoes or vegetables like roasted brussels sprouts.
3. 3. Toss it into a tofu scramble. Add a boost of umami flavor and nutrition to your vegan breakfast by sprinkling nutritional yeast flakes into your tofu scramble.
4. 4. Make vegan cheese sauces. You can add nutritional yeast to cheese sauces, or you can make vegan sauces using cashews and vegetables instead of cheese or milk. Add the flakes to vegan mac and cheese, make nutritional yeast nacho cheese sauce, or use nutritional yeast to add flavor to a vegan alfredo sauce or pesto.

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