What is a good substitute for nutritional yeast? Well, there are a few good options. But some things first. Nutritional yeast is a great cheese alternative that I personally love it! I am obsessed with nutritional yeast. I use it in quite a few recipes. In homemade pie recipes, Pizza recipes, Pasta, risotto, and much more.
What is nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast is a product of natural fermentation and it comes from the natural fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a sugar-rich medium, such as molasses or beetroot. It is then heated to turn off, washed, pasteurized, dried, crushed, and packaged. The cells in the dough are inactivated during its preparation and processing so they are not alive in the final product.
What is the nutritional value of Yeast?
It is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Its enriched form contains many B-complex vitamins, such as vitamin B6 and B12 but also thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. It is rich in trace elements such as zinc, selenium, manganese, and molybdenum.
What are its health benefits?
Nutritional yeast is a highly nutritious food, with a sufficient amount of protein and fiber while also having low calories and a very small percentage of fat. It is an excellent source of B vitamins (B6 and B12), contains antioxidants, minerals, and trace elements such as calcium, iron, and potassium. It also contains β-glucan, a type of fiber that has been shown to help lower blood cholesterol levels. On the other hand if you use it in large portions, it can cause discomfort due to its high fiber.
How is it consumed?
When stored properly, in a tightly closed food container or bag, it can be stored for up to two years. It can help sauces and soups bond as it gives them a more creamy texture. You can use it in soups or sauces and savory creams such as béchamel or mashed potatoes, and other vegetables. Sprinkle your salads, whether raw, grilled, or boiled, to add extra nutrients and more flavor. Try it on popcorn as an evening snack to avoid butter and salt. Add it to pasta and risotto instead of parmesan.
Substitute for Nutritional Yeast
Cashews
A great substitute is ground cashews. Grid them, add salt and herbs, mix and you have a great alternative. Alternatively if you want to use them in a cheese sauce, soak them for 4-5 hours and blend them with the herbs of your choice. Use raw unsalted Cashews from Jiva.
Chickpea flour
If you want to make thick consistency soups just use little bit of chickpea flour. To add more flavour, mix the flour with herbs and salt. Its better to use an organic one for better taste. I recommend you Anthony’s Organic chickpea flour.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is made by fermenting soybeans with salt. Although soy sauce it is not the best altrernative, it can give a great taste to your recipes. Choose gluten free sauce and with less salt. Use half the amount of soy sauce that your recipe requires for nutritional yeast. I normally use this excelent soy sauce.
Sunflower seeds
You can use exactly like the cashews. Grid them, add the spices of your choice and add them in your favourite dishes. Otherwise you can soak them to make “cheesy” sauces.
Brewers Yeast
It has slightly a bitter taste than nutritional yeast but its a great alternative for your recipes. Use 2 teaspoons of this brewer’s yeast for every tablespoon of nutritional yeast that your recipe requires.
Dried chopped mushrooms
You can buy ready-chopped mushrooms or buy whole and grid them. I personally prefer to buy whole, dry them and grid them. I noticed that the flavour is much better that the ready ones.
Here are the three mushrooms that you can use:
- shitake
- oyster mushrooms
- porcili
They are all great alternatives.
Vegetable Bouillon
A great alternative for nutritional yeast. I often use this Organic Vegan Bouillon with reduced sodium. It contains Carrots, Celery, Onion and Tomato), Maltodextrin, Salt, Cane Sugar, Concentraded Vegetable Juice, Yeast Extract, Potato Starch, Garlic Powder. Be careful with the amount you use. Its very salty!
Nutritional Yeast Recipe
In case you do not want to use any of these alternatives you can make your own yeast. Dry store bought brewer’s or baker’s yeast in food dryer at high temperatures until the yeast is dead.
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