Nutritional yeast-B12 source

Definition: Yellow in color and with a nutty cheesy flavor, nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast that is a favorite amongst many vegans because of its unique flavor and similarity to cheese when added to foods. Sprinkle some on hot popcorn or garlic bread, or add a generous spoonful to a stir fry or pasta sauce. Nutritional yeast is also the only reliable food source of vitamin B12, so if you're vegan, it's a good idea to add some to your food regularly. Nutritional yeast can be found in the bulk foods or supplement section of your health food store. You can look for either nutritional yeast flakes or powder, but be sure you don't get brewer's yeast by mistake, as its quite similar in appearance. In Australia and New Zealand, nutritional yeast is also called "savory yeast" or "savory yeast flakes".

calories=2 tsp 20calories
An average 1.5 tablespoon serving has approximately four grams of fiber, eight grams of protein and more than twice the folate, B6 and B12 a person needs in a day.


Nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast, meaning it can't be used to rise bread. The yeast is grown on cane and beet molasses. B vitamins derived from bacteria are added during the growing process. Then the yeast is dried and sold in flake or powder form. The appearance may differ according to brand, ranging from bright yellow to pale brown.

Nutritional Benefits of Nooch

Nutritional yeast contains high levels of B-complex vitamins, which help humans manage stress levels and aid in cell metabolism. Nutritional yeast is often added to pet foods to help dogs and cats maintain shiny coats and general health. In humans, B vitamins also help support a good metabolic rate, protect against pancreatic cancer and keep skin glowing.

Nooch is popular among vegans and vegetarians for containing the elusive vitamin B12, which is difficult to obtain outside animal products.

Nutritional yeast also contains folic acid and essential fatty acids



Dairy-Free Recipes

NUTRITIONAL YEAST "CHEESE"
from The New Farm Vegetarian Cookbook

* 1/2 cup nutritional yeast flakes*
* 1/2 cup flour
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder
* 2 cups water
* 1/4 cup margarine
* 1 tsp wet mustard

Mix dry ingredients in saucepan. Whisk in water. Cook over medium heat, whisking, until it thickens and bubbles. Cook 30 seconds, then remove from heat, whip in margarine and mustard. It will thicken as it cools, but will thin when heated, or when water is added. Makes 3 cups.

Note: If you'd like to lower the fat content of this recipe, use a tablespoon of margarine. This works just as well. It can also be prepared without using any margarine at all.

Variation: For a richer stretchier sauce that's good on pizza, substitute for the flour: 1/4 cup cornstarch and 2 Tbsp Flour. Instead of margarine, whip in 1/2 cup of oil after it cooks, and add as much as 1 cup of water at the end, or as needed to make a thick, smooth sauce that pours easily. Pour it on pizza and for the last few minutes of baking, put pizza under broiler for a few minutes to form a stretchy, golden brown speckled skin.