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What is Nutritional Yeast (aka Nooch)? Benefits PLUS 5 Yummy Recipes (VZ 142)

spoon full of nutritional yeast

Recently in the Peas and Carrots Society Facebook group, a member posted a question about nutritional yeast (aka nooch). What followed was an AMAZING discussion among members about these mysterious yellow flakes, including some really yummy-sounding and creative ways to use them.

You can listen to us discuss nutritional yeast here or read on for a quick summary.

 

What is Nutritional Yeast?

Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast related to brewer’s yeast which is used as a fermentation agent in beer making.

Some brands use molasses, then harvest, heat, dry, and crumble for the final product. Nutritional yeast has a nutty savory taste which makes it such a great substitute for dairy cheese. We consider it one of our veg pantry staples!

 

bowl of nooch

 

What are the Health Benefits?

Nutritional yeast is a great source of:

  • Magnesium 
  • Copper 
  • Manganese 
  • Thiamin 
  • Riboflavin 
  • Niacin 
  • Vitamin B6 
  • Folate 
  • Vitamin B12 
  • Zinc
  • Protein
  • Dietary Fiber

Additionally, it’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

It’s also typically gluten-free but you should check the label just to be sure!

 

Where Can I Buy It?

Nutritional yeast is easy to find. You can find it at most grocery stores or you can order it online.

We usually use Bragg’s brand of nooch but there are several others on the market such as:

  • Bob’s Red Mill 
  • Red Star 
  • Kal 
  • Dr. Fuhrman 
  • Frontier Co-op 
  • NOW Foods 
  • Whole Foods (Can find it in the bulk section of Whole Foods) 

 

Bragg Premium Nutritional Yeast Seasoning 4.5 Ounce (Packaging May Vary)
Bragg Premium Nutritional Yeast Seasoning 4.5 Ounce (Packaging May Vary)
  • Provides great taste when added to a wide variety of foods & recipes.
  • A delicious Vegan seasoning substitute for parmesan that all ages are sure to love!
  • Try it in salads, soups, dips, spreads, sauces, salads, vegetables, potatoes, rice, pasta & popcorn.
  • It's great “cheese-like” flavor makes it a delicious cholesterol-free, low-sodium, addition to most recipes and foods.
  • Shaker Top. Rich in B vitamins
Buy on Amazon!B07RLV3S29

 

Some Ways You Can Use Nooch

    1. Use in homemade cheeses – Since nooch has a cheesy flavor, it makes a great substitute for dairy cheese. Try blending it with plain cashew cream and spices to make a cheesy sauce.

 

    1. Sprinkle on veggies – Adding nooch to potato wedges is a game changer!  Cut up a potato, toss wedges in olive oil and fresh rosemary, sprinkle some nooch, smoked paprika, and sea salt, throw in the oven for 20 mins, and voila! Yummy potato wedges.

 

    1. Sprinkle on popcorn  – This is my favorite way to eat nutritional yeast! You may need to use a vegan butter substitute spray to help the nutritional yeast stick to the popcorn. 

 

 

      1. Add to pizza – I used to drown my pizza with Parmesan cheese to get an extra cheesy flavor but who needs that anymore when you have nooch? Sprinkle some on your pizza for a cheese flavor boost! 

 

      1. Add to meat-free “meatloaf” or homemade veggie burgers – Mixing just a bit of nutritional yeast to these dishes will help   bind ingredients together and add great flavor 

 

      1. Add to vegan gravy – Adding nooch to vegan gravy can help enrich the taste without using meat stock.

 

5 Recipes To Get You Started Cooking With Nooch

Here are 5 recipes to get you started cooking with nutritional yeast.

 

  1. Easy Vegan Nutritional Yeast Pasta by The Spruce Eats

 

  1. Vegan Philly Cheese Steak by Elephantastic Vegan

 

  1. Easy Vegan Cheese Sauce by Ela Vegan

 

  1. Nooch Popcorn by Gimme Some Oven

 

  1. Vegan Cheddar Jalapeno Biscuits by Minimalist Baker

We hope this has helped demystify nutritional yeast for you and offered you some great ideas for using it in your recipes.