Q: What is nutritional yeast and what is it used for?

A: Nutritional yeast is a type of yeast that has been grown and then heated so it is no longer active. This means it cannot make bread rise or be used for brewing. Instead, it is used for its nutrients and its unique flavor. It is usually sold as yellow flakes or powder.

Nutritional yeast has a mild, savory taste that many people describe as cheesy or nutty. Because of this, it is especially popular in plant-based cooking. It is a good source of protein and contains several important B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. Many brands are also fortified with vitamin B12, which is important for nerve health and can be harder to get on a vegan diet. Nutritional yeast is naturally low in fat, low in sodium, and usually gluten-free.

In the kitchen, nutritional yeast is easy to use. It can be sprinkled on popcorn, pasta, vegetables or toast, or stirred into soups, sauces, and dressings. It adds flavor while also boosting nutrition, making it a simple and useful pantry ingredient.

(Environmental Nutrition is the award-winning independent newsletter written by nutrition experts dedicated to providing readers up-to-date, accurate information about health and nutrition in clear, concise English. For more information, visit www.environmentalnutrition.com.)

©2026 Belvoir Media Group, LLC. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.