What Is Nutritional Yeast?

You may have heard of nutritional yeast and wondered what it was. It’s a pretty impressive ingredient to have in your kitchen with several uses. It’s typically found as flakes or granules and has a flavor that’s kind of nutty, kind of cheesy, and definitely savory and complex (some people say it tastes like Cheeto powder). You can add it to soups and sauces or sprinkle it on popcorn or pasta to add a boost of flavor and nutrition. Here are more reasons why we like it: 

• It’s a Complete Protein
Nutritional yeast contains all nine essential amino acids that can only be acquired through the food you eat.

• Vegan Source of B12
B12 is usually only found in animal products, but fortified varieties of nutritional yeast contain 200% DV of it in just one tablespoon.

• Powerful Antioxidants
Two powerful antioxidants, glutathione and selenomethionine, are found in nutritional yeast. They protect your cells against free radicals and also help your body eliminate environmental toxins from things like heavy metals.

• Low Calories, High Protein
¼ cup contains 8g protein with only 60 calories. It also has 3g fiber and 4 different varieties of B vitamins.

• Gluten-free
Not only is it gluten-free, it’s sugar-free, fat-free, and vegan too.