Q.  What is Nutritional Yeast?

A. Nutritional yeast, sometimes fondly called the “nooch,” is a plant-based nutrition source that comes from the yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This yeast species can be grown on a number of sources, including and not limited to sugarcane, blackstrap molasses, whey, and sugar beets, and can be used to make a number of food products like beer, wine, and bread when it is in its active form. However, nutritional yeast is not the type of yeast that someone would use for baking because, unlike baking yeast, it undergoes a heating and drying process that renders it inactive—so it does not help your bread rise and, most importantly, when used to enhance food products, does not cause gas or bloating when consumed. Additionally, it has a mild savory flavor that is easily enjoyed and can be added to many dishes, like your favorite savory recipes and sweet treats. 

Q.  What nutrients does Nutritional Yeast supply, and what are the benefits? 

A. Nutritional yeast is delicious and can easily elevate any dish nutritionally and tastefully when incorporated. This is because when Saccharomyces cerevisiae is grown on vitamin- and mineral-enriched non-GMO sugar beet molasses, it produces a macro- and micronutrient-rich yeast culture. Once this culture is pasteurized and dried to inactivate the yeast, the finished yeast flakes are jam-packed with whole-food, plant-sourced protein, along with dietary fiber, B vitamins, vitamin D, and an array of minerals for daily nutritional support. ♦

As mentioned, nutritional yeast delivers complete protein, which is important for growth and development, lean tissue support, and recovery from intense exercise, and can also aid in nutrient absorption. But the benefits of nutritional yeast do not end there; this superfood also delivers dietary fiber, vitamins D and B12, along with an array of minerals for digestive, heart, bone, and immune health, which may also improve energy and vitality levels, fighting fatigue, when taken routinely and consistently. ♦

Q. Fortified Nutritional Yeast vs. Unfortified Nutritional Yeast, what is the difference?

A. In the market place you can find two types of nutritional yeast, those that are fortified and those that are unfortified. Fortified nutritional yeast is produced by aerobic fermentation—meaning it grows with air—and a yeast biomass results. Initially, the pure strains of the “mother” culture are grown on a nitrogen-enriched medium (sugar beet molasses) that is fortified with vitamins and minerals for optimum growth. Once the biomass is mature, it is separated from the medium and is then harvested, pasteurized, and dried into instant dry yeast. Many vegetarians, vegans, pescatarians, and health buffsopt for fortified nutritional yeast to help increase their intake of vitamin B12, which is routinely found only in animal foods, and vitamin D, which is rarely found in products like these and is a great attribute of Bluebonnet’s NEW Non-Bitter Nutritional Yeast Flakes!

Q.   Who might be a good candidate for using Nutritional Yeast and why?

A.  Nutritional yeast is soy-free, milk-free, gluten-free, and, most importantly, animal-free. As a result, nutritional yeast can be a useful supplement for individuals with food allergies or sensitivities and even those who are on restricted diets or who live plant-based lifestyles. It is especially popular among vegetarians, vegans, pescatarians, and health buffs who use it to enrich their food with added nutrition and/or to help bridge the nutritional gaps in their diet. It can be used as a versatile add-on to many recipes and is a great topping for popcorn, and adds cheesy flavors to sauces, pasta, salads, and other foods. ♦

Q. What should consumers be looking for in a Nutritional Yeast supplement? 

A. Adding good nutrition and flavor to your favorite recipes is easy when you have the “nooch.” When considering a Nutritional Yeast supplement, look for golden flake products that are sourced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast grown on vitamin and mineral-enriched non-GMO sugar beet molasses that delivers a macro- and micronutrient-rich yeast culture that is pasteurized and inactivated and includes an array of nutrients, even vitamin D! Formulas should also provide all of the dietary benefit bells and whistles needed for a top-shelf item like:

• Non-GMO Project Verified

• Kosher Certified by KOF-K

• Vegetarian/Vegan

• Free of Common Allergens (soy, gluten & milk)

That said, the key to making your meals more delicious and nutritious than ever before starts with Bluebonnet’s Nutritional Yeast Flakes that melt in your mouth and deliver healthful, plant-based nutrition with each serving. ♦

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.