35+ Amazing Nutritional Yeast Recipes

35+ amazing nutritional yeast recipes that are naturally vegan and easy to make! Enjoy.

A dark wooden bowl filled with yellow nutritional yeast.

What is nutritional yeast? Where do I find nutritional yeast? How do I use nutritional yeast? What are the health benefits of cooking with nutritional yeast? Find the answers to these questions plus 34 easy, healthy, and delicious vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, keto recipes such as pizza, pesto, cheese sauces, popcorn, pasta and more using nutritional yeast below!

What is Nutritional Yeast?

Nutritional yeast is an inactive form of yeast called ‘Saccharomyces cerevisiae’ that is commonly derived from blackstrap molasses. (It is not to be confused with Brewer’s Yeast which is the same species but an active form.) It is grown on molasses as it likes feeding on sugar. It is then deactivated by being heated and pasteurized and then dried and enriched with a variety of B vitamins, like vitamin B-12 before being packaged. Those on a vegan or dairy-free diet often find it a suitable vegan cheese substitute due to its cheesy flavor and savory, umami flavor notes. In the vegan world, it is known as “nooch” and this flaky yellow powder is a highly versatile ingredient.

What Does Nutritional Yeast Taste Like?

Nutritional yeast is a type of yeast with a savory flavor that is perfect for vegan cheese recipes. These little yellow flakes also have a slightly nutty flavor profile.

A close up shot of a wooden spoon sticking into a dark wooden bowl of yellow flakes of nutritional yeast.

Where Can I Find Nutritional Yeast?

Nutritional yeast can commonly be found in the baking section of natural health food stores such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, or Natural Grocers. You can also sometimes find it in the bulk foods section of these stores, too.
In conventional grocery stores, you can sometimes find it in the organic, natural foods or gluten-free sections of the store.
A common and popular brand of nutritional yeast is Bragg. This can be found online and in stores.
Some other brands that I have tried and loved that can be found online are: Sari Foods, Anthony’s, and Bob’s Red Mill.
Nutritional yeast can be found in the form of fine powder, small flakes, or large flakes.

Yellow nutritional yeast flakes with a wooden spoon sticking out.

What are the Health Benefits of Nutritional Yeast?

Nutritional yeast is rich in minerals such as selenium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and calcium.
Nutritional yeast is a good source of B vitamins, specifically B12. B12 is a common deficiency for those on a vegan diet, so nutritional yeast is of the utmost help here!
Nutritional yeast is a great source of plant-based protein, as it is a complete protein.
Nutritional yeast has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties thanks to the specific strain of yeast and its high beta-glucans content. Beta-glucans is a form of fiber that has many reported health benefits, including being considered a prebiotic (crucial for gut health!).
Nutritional yeast is also rich in antioxidants.

As you can see, it is a nutritional supplement in its own right!

A dark wood bowl filled with yellow powder.

Nutritional Yeast Uses

Sprinkle on eggs or tofu scramble.
Salad topping.
Flavorings for pizza and vegetables.
Make vegan cheese sauces or queso to serve along tortilla chips.
Add creaminess to sauces.
Sprinkle on soup and stew.
Mix into veggie burgers for a cheeseburger flavor.
Make vegan mac and cheese.
Add a cheesy taste to any of your favorite dishes! It is a key ingredient when it comes to vegan cooking and a plant-based diet.

35+ Delicious Nutritional Yeast Recipes

Easy Vegan Queso Recipe

No cashews are to be found in this quick, easy, creamy and flavorful vegan queso recipe made with only a few simple ingredients, including nutritional yeast. Naturally gluten-free and oil-free.