How To Cook With Nutritional Yeast | Health & Wellbeing

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The wholesome flake that delivers fantastic flavour

Many of us assume that nutritional yeast is simply the yeast we use as a raising agent in our delicious daily bread.

Nutritional yeast is, however, altogether different and even easier to use. It is also packed with flavour and can be sprinkled alongside other ingredients to main dishes and on to snacks in the same way you would use a spice.

Known for its nutty, cheesy flavour, nutritional yeast has an impressive nutrient profile.

And, as it is inherently healthy and can mimic the taste of cheese, it is particularly popular among vegans and vegetarians.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to give this wholesome flake its proper title, is a very versatile ingredient.

Here we take a look at just some of the ways nutritional yeast can be used in everyday cooking.

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It can feature in vegan cheese sauces when it is blended with cashews, garlic and plant-based milk to create a rich and cheesy sauce for vegan mac and cheese or nachos.

A winner in salad dressings and dips, it can be mixed with olive oil, lemon juice and herbs for a delicious dressing or to make a flavour packed hummus.

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But it is not only strong in a supporting role, nutritional yeast can boost pasta and rice dishes when it is stirred into risotto or rice bowls to give a dish a truly creamy finish.

You can even use this flavour and health enhancer at breakfast by adding it to scrambled eggs or tofu scramble.

Blending it into soups such as potato, tomato or butternut squash will give the dish a subtle cheesy flavour.

Tossed with roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts, nutritional yeast will give veg dishes an extra blast of flavour.

For the ultimate easy treat, you could sprinkle it on to popcorn as a healthy alternative to the customary buttered option.

And when you consider that these unassuming flakes are rich in B vitamins, including B12, which is essential for everything from brain health to red blood-cell formation, it’s hardly a surprise that nutritional yeast is a favourite among those following a plant-based diet.

Without a doubt, nutritional yeast is a powerhouse ingredient that adds both nutrition and flavour to any dish, making it a must-have in every health-conscious kitchen.

Five more reasons to try it

1. High in protein: With about five grams of protein per tablespoon, nutritional yeast is a great addition to meals to boost protein intake, particularly for vegetarians and vegans.

2. Supports immune function: It contains compounds that help strengthen the immune system and may reduce inflammation.

3. Aids digestion: Nutritional yeast is a good source of fibre, promoting healthy digestion and gut bacteria balance.

4. Antioxidant properties: Rich in powerful antioxidants such as glutathione and selenium, it helps combat oxidative stress and may contribute to overall health and longevity.

5. Lowers cholesterol: Some studies suggest that nutritional yeast can help lower bad cholesterol levels due to its fibre content.

ABOUT OUR NUTRITIONAL YEAST

Grape Tree Yeast Flakes with Vitamin B12 are perfect for supporting a vegan lifestyle. The flakes have a nutty yet delicate flavour and are, of course, high in iron, protein, zinc, fibre and thiamine.