What the heck is nutritional yeast? I remember when I first saw nutritional yeast as an ingredient in a recipe. I found the name a little off-putting and couldn't imagine what it would add to my plate other than vitamins, perhaps. But if you've never had it before – spoiler alert – it's really delicious! Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Nutritional yeast, sometimes called Nooch, is now one of the most used ingredients in my cooking. I consider it a magical ingredient because it is like replacing chicken broth as well as cheese at home. In fact, I always keep a jar of it on the kitchen counter so I can add a little whenever I need a hit of savory flavor. But it's not just for vegans or vegetarians: nutritional yeast works in any soup or stew and is wonderful on popcorn, too! What is nutritional yeast? Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast related to brewer's yeast, which is used as a fermentation agent in beer production. The yeast is grown on a food source (some brands use molasses) then harvested, heated, dried and crumbled. This process deactivates the yeast and creates a wonderfully nutty, tasty and versatile ingredient. To preserve all B vitamins, store in a dark glass or ceramic container to keep away from light. Since it's a dry product, you need to close the lid tightly to keep moisture out—as long as the nutritional yeast stays dry, it can last up to two years. As you can guess from its name, nutritional yeast is rich in nutrients, especially B vitamins, folic acid, selenium, zinc and protein. It's low-fat, gluten-free (check specific brands for certification), and contains no added sugars or preservatives. Since vitamin B12 is absent from plant foods unless added as a supplement, nutritional yeast that contains B12, such as Red Star Vegetarian Support Formula, is a great addition to a vegan diet (although I highly recommend taking a supplement like only way to make sure you have enough). Not all nooch contains vitamin B12, so check the label carefully before buying. Vitamins and minerals are all great, but truth be told, most people use nutritional yeast for its flavor. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Get a Custom Essay Nutritional yeast has a flavor that has been described as cheesy, nutty, savory, and “umami.” Just a tablespoon or two can add flavor to soups, gravies, and other dishes, while larger amounts can give "cheese" sauces and scrambled eggs a cheesy, eggy flavor