Originally posted on February 18, 2022 @ 4:28 am
If you are looking for a way to add more vitamins, minerals and protein to your diet, nutritional yeast may be a good option for you. This type of yeast is often used as a dietary supplement because it is high in B vitamins. However, it can also be used as a condiment or ingredient in recipes.
If you are interested in adding nutritional yeast to your diet, but are not sure where to find it, this blog post will provide some tips on where to find nutritional yeast in grocery store.
Table of Contents
What is nutritional yeast?
“Nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast that can be bought in powder or flake form. It’s often fortified with B-vitamins, including vitamin B12. Yeast breaks down into amino acids during digestion.”
It must not be confused with baker’s/brewer’s yeast or torula yeast . It has no leavening power, therefore it shouldn’t be used to replace baking soda but can be added to breadings and batters for extra nutrients.
Nutritional yeast, also known as ‘savoury yeast flakes’ or ‘savory brewer’s yeast’, is a deactivated (‘dead’) version of the same strain of yeast that bakers use in bread dough – so there is no fermenting or leavening.
It was first produced in Australia by CSIRO to be used as an animal feed, because it is high in protein and B12. This means that it’s less likely to be deficient in these nutrients for vegetarians, vegans and people who eat little/no meat. Back then nutritional yeast was known as “Yeast Food”, “Nutritional Yeat” or “Brewer’s Yeast Extract”. The name ‘nutritional yeast’ started being used around 1975. It is now commonly also referred to as nooch!
The yeast was rediscovered by health food enthusiasts during the 1980s after CSIRO published research about it. They realised that it could be added to food for extra nutrients. It is now often added to vegan and vegetarian dishes because of its ‘cheesy’ taste and similarity to Parmesan cheese, as well as snacks like popcorn and potato chips.
It is made by growing the yeast for a few days in a nutrient medium so it multiplies very quickly, then deactivating it with heat. This process can also be done under cold conditions but takes longer. The inactive yeast cells are harvested from this mixture using centrifuges or filters. The final product consists of 60-70% protein, 8-16% fat and 5-10% carbohydrate.
What is Nutritional Yeast Used For:
– Sprinkling it on popcorn instead of butter or salt:
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that can be used in recipes or as a seasoning. It has a nutty, cheesy flavour and contains B vitamins and protein along with fibre. It’s also gluten-free and suitable for vegans, which makes it incredibly popular amongst people who follow plant-based diets.
Popcorn is naturally low in fat, so when you season it with nutritional yeast instead of butter or salt, you eliminate unnecessary calories without losing out on any flavour.
– Mixing it into risotto instead of Parmesan cheese:
Risotto is a rice dish that originates from Italy, but it’s now popular all over the world. It can be cooked with or without meat and vegetables, depending on your personal taste and preference, and it works really well as either a side dish or main meal.
When you’re making risotto there are lots of different ingredients that you could use to help improve the flavour and add texture, such as parmesan cheese or spices like cayenne pepper or garlic. Nutritional yeast is another great option for this purpose because it adds a cheesy flavour without actually containing any dairy products – which makes it perfect for vegans who want their risotto to taste cheesy!
– Making a vegan alternative to a cheese sauce:
The vegan diet is one that excludes all animal products, including dairy. This means that people who follow this lifestyle often have to adapt their favourite recipes in order to enjoy them with suitable alternatives instead of the original ingredients.
A cheese sauce is a classic recipe but it contains an ingredient called ‘Parmesan cheese’ which is made from cow’s milk and therefore isn’t suitable for vegans. A vegan alternative for this purpose would be to use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan because it has a cheesy flavour and can be used in all types of cooking, such as on pasta or vegetables.
– As an ingredient in a vegan macaroni and cheese dish:
Macaroni and cheese is a staple at many family meals and potlucks, but it’s also popular for dinner parties and celebrations. People love this classic dish because of its delicious creamy texture, yet they often feel guilty consuming such large quantities of saturated fat.
A plant-based alternative to macaroni and cheese includes making the sauce with dairy-free alternatives like soy milk or almond milk, along with vegan margarine instead of butter. Instead of using cheese as a topping, why not try sprinkling on some nutritional yeast? It will add flavour without adding any cholesterol or unhealthy fats!
– Stirring it into creamy soups for added nutrients:
If you enjoy eating soup but aren’t too keen on vegetables, then you might want to try mixing in some nutritional yeast to boost your nutrient intake at dinnertime. Not only is it extremely high in vitamin B12, but it’s also a good source of fibre and protein.
Adding nutritional yeast to your soup also provides an extra cheesy flavour too, which makes it the perfect accompaniment for bread rolls or crusty breadsticks. You can use it in cream-based soups or ones that contain vegetables, legumes or beans – the choice is yours!
– Adding it to scrambled eggs:
People who follow a plant-based diet often crave a breakfast that tastes like eggs when they’re going through a difficult time, but it isn’t always easy to find suitable substitutes. Nutritional yeast can be used as an alternative in cooked dishes such as scrambled eggs because its texture and taste are very similar to eggs.
– Mixing it into a nut roast or stuffing:
Although meat is off the menu for vegans, many of us still enjoy eating traditional festive dishes like sage and onion stuffing or nut roasts at Christmas time. However, while these recipes are often dairy-free they’re not always free of animal products because some versions use honey as a sweetener.
Nutritional yeast makes an excellent alternative for this purpose because it adds a cheesy flavour, looks just like grated Parmesan cheese and its certainly better for your health! So you could sprinkle it on top of your nut roast or stuff it into your turkey before cooking – it’ll be a great addition to the whole meal that everyone can enjoy!
If you want to add more nutritional yeast to your diet, then why not try these tasty recipes?
Where to buy nutritional yeast near me?
The question that’s been on everyone’s minds since they’ve heard the word. In the same way, it has been a topic of discussion for people who have heard of nutritional yeast and are interested in trying it but don’t know where to get started.
Where to find nutritional yeast in grocery store?
– The health food aisle: Look for it in this section, amongst other health items.
– The bulk bin section: This versatile ingredient can be found here, usually sold in a large bag or box. Look for the nutritional yeast flakes.
– The spice aisle: Nutritional yeast can be found on some shelves within this aisle, but is not nearly as popular of an item as some spices are. You likely will have to ask someone who works there to help you find it. They may even have some behind the counter available for customers only.
– Baking and dry goods: In this section you should look for processed cheeses – these often contain hidden nutritional yeast! Also check out cream cheese and margarine spreads; most brands of these already include nutritional yeast.
– Supplements aisle: Just like in the baking goods section, nutritional yeast is sometimes processed into a powder and added to supplements. Look for nutritional yeast in pill or powder form here.
NOTE: When buying bulk bins, always ask permission before you check out a bag of nutritional yeast! Not everyone knows what it is – so many people assume it’s just yeast used in breads, etc. They may not be sure about selling it to you if they don’t know what you plan to do with it once you take it home! Be friendly, explain that you have heard great things about using it as a cheese substitute. It’s perfectly healthy and safe for them to sell!
What Grocery Store Sells Nutritional Yeast?
- Amazon: Amazon is a great place to buy nutritional yeast. They have a pretty large variety and it’s really affordable. The best thing about Amazon is that you can either get it shipped to your house or just pick-up at the, conveniently located.
- Walmart: Walmart usually has prices that are better than other grocery stores but they don’t carry as big of a selection as some of the others. However, if there aren’t any natural supermarkets near you, Walmart might be your only choice!
- Your Local Health Food Store: One great place for picking up nutritional yeast is at any health food store or vitamin shop in your area. There will usually be a larger collection compared to what grocery stores offer and they’ll also contain more options that contain added vitamins and minerals.
- Whole Foods: Whole foods is usually a great place to look for almost any ingredient you could need. Although, their selection of nutritional yeast isn’t as big as some other stores, they have a pretty decent range and carry some added flavors that others do not carry. Just like the health food store option, this will also be a great place if you’re looking for multiple vegan/plant-based ingredients or other healthy products!
- Safeway: Safeway has been around since 1915 and has grown from coast-to-coast throughout the United States. They carry a variety of different brands but don’t have an overly large collection which can make it hard to find at times. However, they do offer many natural alternatives to the somewhat processed foods we buy daily.
- Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s has a lot to offer if you’re specifically looking for nutritional yeast! They don’t have as large of a collection as some other stores say but it’s worth noting that if you ask an employee, they might be able to order the one brand or flavor you were having trouble finding as well!
- Kroger: Kroger is a big name grocery store and has made their way across many states and countries as well. They offer a pretty decent assortment of different brands and flavors of nutritional yeast but don’t carry as much as some other stores do. One plus about shopping at Kroger, however, is that they often run weekly sales which can make prices very affordable!
- Publix: Publix was first established in 1930 and has also grown throughout southern states such as Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Similar to Safeway they offer natural alternatives for most products we buy on a daily basis but don’t have too large of a collection for nutritional yeast. Even with that being said, they still carry a few flavors and brands which is always nice!
- Meijer: Meijer has been around for over 100 years and specializes in providing quality groceries at very affordable prices. They do not carry as large of a collection as some other stores but it’s worth noting that they do have many organic products to choose from which can make them an appealing option. On top of Organic foods, Meijer also offers store brand produce, meats, dairy & frozen goods at the lowest prices possible.
- Wegman’s: Wegmans was founded in 1916 and has continued to grow throughout the United States including Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. With their expansion across the country you’ll be able to find nutritional yeast at Wegmans in the following states. Like many of the other grocery stores previously mentioned, they will usually carry multiple brands and flavors but don’t have an overly large selection.
- Sprouts: Sprout is another great place to go if you’re looking for many different vegan/plant-based options. They have a great selection of nutritional yeast and even carry some delicious flavored varieties with added B-vitamins which can be hard to find at most grocery stores!
- GNC: Lastly, GNC is another place that’s great for picking up nutritional yeast. They may not offer as many brands or flavors but they do contain hundreds of different vitamins, supplements & minerals that you might need whether you’re vegan or not! They also offer plus packs which are more affordable than buying them separately.
Common Types of Nutritional Yeast:
There are many different types of nutritional yeast, so if you have found one that you enjoy try branching out to other brands, maybe you will find something new and amazing!
Bragg Nutritional Yeast Seasoning is a vegan source of vitamin B12, which can be difficult to obtain for vegans in supplementation or food because it is mainly produced by bacterial fermentation then harvested from the media they are grown on (ie: molasses). Since this form is not normally consumed by vegans, it is difficult to have a reliable source of vitamin B12.
Bragg Nutritional Yeast Seasoning comes in 2 varieties Original and Garlic.
Hoosier Hill Farm Nutritional Yeast Flakes are said to be the best tasting yeast for those looking for that cheesy flavor without dairy products. It has an interesting claim on their label, “Yeasts are neither plants nor animals but belong to the fungi kingdom” which may lead some to believe they are not vegan because of how fungi reproduce (most who read this will know that statement is false) but there is no animal ingredients or byproducts and no insect parts or contamination allowed during processing (it does not state whether the company tests for this or not).
Anthony’s Nutritional Yeast Flakes is a healthy yeast with great flavor, it is fortified with high amounts of B-vitamins and selenium. This yeast does come in 3 varieties: original, buttery and spicy cheese flavors. Anthony’s Nutritional Yeast Flakes can be found at some local health food stores or here on amazon.
Sari Foods Nutritional Yeast Flakes are said to be the best tasting yeast for those looking for that cheesy taste without dairy products. Almost all of their nutritional information is about the vitamin content which it says makes it an ideal substitute for cheese in recipes, but I cannot find anything more specific on cheesiness of the flavor besides how it does not contain dairy, soy, yeast or gluten. This yeast comes in 2 varieties: Instant variety for cooking and active dry variety for adding to food
Frontier Co-Op Nutritional Yeast Mini Flakes say they are the only brand that makes their product from non GMO ingredients (not all nutritional yeasts are made with GMOs but the vast majority of the time they are). They also state 100% vegan on their label which can be extremely helpful when buying products in grocery stores, having something clearly stated on the package reduces the chance of accidentally purchasing an animal product. Frontier Co-op has multiple locations in many different states so you may have a store close by!
Each type of nutritional yeast has different nutritional information, they all vary in B-vitamins but most of the rest (protein, fat, carbs, fiber) are relatively similar.
Substitute for Nutritional Yeast:
Some people avoid eating yeast because they want to limit the intake of gluten, but others cannot eat nutritional yeast at all. In either case you can find below a few suggestions as a substitute for yeast flakes.
1/ Brewer’s yeast/ Baking Yeast
Brewer’s yeast is usually stronger in flavor than nutritional yeast and should be used with caution since it has been fermented and therefore not suitable for those who do not consume alcohol. Brewer’s yeast is available in bulk or packaged and sold as ‘nutritional’ or ‘food’ brewer’s yeast.’ This form is also sometimes labeled simply as “yeast.” Brewers also use this type of yeast to make beer if your local health food stores sell brewers yeasts,it will come already baked, so it should be safe for consumption by celiacs.
2/ Yeast extract spread (Marmite, Vegemite)
Do not confuse yeast extract spread with nutritional yeast flakes, Marmite and Vegemite are both very high in vitamin B12 . The flavor of yeast extract is intensely salty and savory, which makes it an effective substitute to nutritional yeast flakes. If you need a gluten-free alternative to brewer’s yeast or want something stronger than ‘nutritional’ yeast then try this type of spread.
3/ Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds come in different colors depending on the variety: white sesame seeds are almost tasteless while black ones have a stronger flavor profile. Grind them as needed, but make sure the rest are stored in an airtight container.
4/ Dry roasted nuts
If you cannot have gluten, skip marinated and smoked yeast flakes. Roasted sesame seeds or cashews with a little salt can be very close to nutritional yeast taste. You can also toast raw peanuts or almonds just enough for them to become fragrant without being burnt, grind them as needed so they retain their crunchy texture. Nutritional yeast has a nutty flavor which makes it easy to use it as imitation if you combine chopped walnuts or pecans with something salty like tamari sauce or soy sauce.
5/ Homemade bread crumbs
To make homemade bread crumbs, blend dried gluten-free bread in a food processor and store them in an airtight container. You can use this bread crumbs instead of yeast flakes in most recipes, but make sure it is labeled gluten-free if you want to serve it with pasta or on top of pizza without risking contamination.
6/ Tofu/ Tempeh/ Seitan
If your old recipe contains nutritional yeast (or brewer’s yeast), you can find below alternative ingredients that will give the same flavor, but will change the consistency of your dish once cooked:
Tofu
Use 1/2 cup tofu pureed with 1 tablespoon corn starch for every 2 tablespoons yeast flakes used
Tempeh
Use 1/4 cup tempeh pureed with 1 tablespoon tahini and 1 tablespoon soy sauce for every 2 tablespoons yeast flakes used
Seitan
Use 3/4 cup seitan pureed with 1 tablespoon tahini and 1 tablespoon soy sauce for every 2 tablespoons yeast flakes used
7/ Egg substitute
Use the same amount of agar powder as you would have used yeast flakes, but dissolve it in water or plant-based milk before using. Agar cannot be baked at high temperatures, so you need to keep that in mind when cooking your favorite recipes.
How To Use Nutritional Yeast?
If you are not vegan, there is high chance that you must’ve come across the term “nutritional yeast”. Well, it can also be called as “savoury yeast flakes” or simply put, Nooch (from German word for ‘nooch’ – nütritzhom).
Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast with nutty and cheesy flavour. It has many health benefits but people don’t consume it because of its weird taste. But, what if I tell that nutritional yeast really tastes like cheese? Today, we’ll see how to use nutritional yeast in cooking? What dishes to make using nooch and which one’s without it….. Let’s get started!!!
How To Cook With Nutritional Yeast?
Some of you might think, what’s the best way to use this stuff. Well, I have listed some serving suggestions:
1) Add it in salads or veggie stir-fry dishes. It will provide cheesy flavour without even using cheese!
2) Sprinkle on popcorn for a nutty cheesy taste. Yum!!! You can also use it as breadcrumbs to give crispier texture to your fried snacks like arancini balls or pakoras.
3) Use it in casseroles and pasta dishes to add cheesy taste and flavour
4) Add little bit in mashed potatoes, mac and cheese etc….and see the magic
5) Sprinkle over rice and pasta before serving. It’s the best way to make kids eat nutritious foods like brown rice and whole grain noodles.
6) Sprinkle on pizza while topping it with veggies for a cheesy taste.
7) Add few flakes in your salad dressing or pesto sauce for a hint of cheesy flavour
8) You can add it in any recipes which calls for cheese like lasagna, bake etc…
9) Last but not least; you can add nooch in all recipes where nutritional yeast is called for like almond milk cheese, dairy free ricotta etc…
10) Last but not least; it’s available as ready-to-eat form too (which I hate because it tastes so weird).
11) Add it in curries like dal or stir-fry dishes to provide cheesy flavour without using cheese.
Nutritional Yeast FAQs
This FAQs section addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about nutritional yeast. You may find that you have other questions not covered here, so feel free to ask! If I don’t know the answer, I’ll track down someone who does.
Q: Is Nutritional Yeast the same as Brewer’s Yeast?
A: Yes and no. Technically, they’re both strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In practice, no. In the past, what was called brewer’s yeast was indeed a by-product of beer brewing (in addition to hops). To make the final beverage, the malt sugars were boiled with hops, which added bitterness – important in those days when sugar wasn’t always available – and acted as a preservative.
Then brewers would take whatever leftover yeast they could find after separating out most of the water and solids from their brew and use it for baking and so forth. Once they discovered they could grow yeast in a culture, they were able to make yeast specifically for baking. They also learned how to separate the protein and other solids from the liquid (beer) and add them back in when making cultured yeast, which is what we know today as nutritional yeast.
Q: What does Nutritional Yeast Taste Like?
A: It has a deliciously nutty/cheesy flavor! I think of it like cheese puffs. Some people sprinkle it on popcorn and eat it that way–it’s good either way you use it! Nutritional yeast should NOT taste bitter or sour. If it does, you should complain to your supplier. But don’t ever eat it straight. It’s not a snack!
Q: What is the difference between Red Star and other nutritional yeasts?
A: Actually, there are several differences.
1. Red Star uses a patented process to make their nutritional yeast. The S. cerevisiae strain they use has been specially processed for food use, which makes it extremely healthy (read more on this below). And it’s packed with protein–more than any other kind of yeast!
This is really important because your body can’t store protein; whatever isn’t used gets broken down into amino acids and excreted through the kidneys. So you want to eat foods that have high levels of proteins so you aren’t wasting away your muscles as well as adding good nutrition to your diet. Red Star nutritional yeast contains 14% protein. No other yeast comes close to that percentage.
2. Red Star nutritional yeast also has a high level of iron (higher than beef liver), thiamine (B1) and several B-complex vitamins – all essential for good health!
3. Red Star nutritional yeast is produced by S. cerevisiae, the same strain used in beer brewing; it’s extremely concentrated – 4 oz of nutritional yeast provides the equivalent number of servings as 1 lb of fresh mushrooms or 2 lbs of tomatoes!!!
This makes it economical too – you get more bang for your buck when buying this kind of yeast because you only need to use small amounts to add flavor and nutrition to whatever dish you’re making. And since it doesn’t have an overbearing taste, you don’t need to use much.
4. Red Star nutritional yeast is not genetically modified – it’s just S. cerevisiae that has been cultured in sugar beets and then dried into flakes.
5. Red Star nutritional yeast is gluten-free; all other brewer’s yeasts contain gluten!
Q: Why does “expired” nutritional yeast appear fatty, grainy or clumped when I look at it under the microscope?
A: Nutritional (brewer’s) yeast contains 32% oil/fat which can oxidize during storage resulting in off-flavors and odors; this reaction is most noticeable when stored for long periods of time in warm conditions (above 70 degrees F).
When exposed to the light, the clumps will often turn a brownish color. This is not harmful, but it does make the yeast less appetizing looking. If you see this condition in nutritional yeast that you have purchased, please write to us and we’ll replace your yeast!
Q: What form of B12 is in nutritional yeast? Does this count as a source of B12 for vegans?
A: Nutritional yeast contains mostly pseudovitamin-B12 (an inactive corrinoid); some brands also add Methylcobalamin (the active kind). Though there has been debate about whether or not these forms can be used by humans, I think it’s safe to say that if you’re supplementing with vegan vitamins which contain B12, you are getting enough active B12. These supplements are necessary for vegans to ensure they get an adequate amount of the vitamin each day.
Q: The nutritional yeast I bought has a petite white flake appearance whereas yours is light yellow/tan colored. Is there any difference between the two yeasts?
A: No, not really. As far as I know, the only difference is that Red Star adds an artificial coloring to their formula which makes it lighter in color. It may take longer to cook up if it’s lighter in color but other than that – no big difference!
Conclusion
If you are looking for a vegan and dairy-free source of B12, nutritional yeast is an excellent option. It can be found in the natural foods section of most grocery stores. Keep in mind that different brands have different flavors, so it might take some experimentation until you find one that you like.
Once you do, nutritional yeast can easily be incorporated into your diet as a condiment or ingredient in recipes. Have you tried using nutritional yeast to increase your intake of B12? Let us know how it went in the comments below! Thank you “where to find nutritional yeast in grocery store”
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