Nutritional yeast

Saccharomyces cerevisiae · Fungus

40 pairings

Nutritional yeast is deactivated (dead) yeast — almost always the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the same microbe used to leaven bread and ferment beer — grown for food, then heat-killed, washed and dried into pale-gold flakes, granules or powder. Naturally rich in B-complex vitamins and complete protein, it carries a savoury, cheesy, nutty umami flavour and is a staple seasoning of vegan and vegetarian cooking, sprinkled on pasta, popcorn and salads or stirred into sauces in place of grated cheese.

Picking a good onedrag

Fresh bag, dry and cheesyLong open, damp or musty

Cupboard stockThe workhorse: cheese sauces, dressings, soups, popcorn. B12 is an added ingredient where it is there at all, so read the list.Everyday best

Smell on openingClearly cheesy, the smell meets you

On the spoonPours freely, no clumps in the spoon

Colour, against this same bag newEven all through, no patches, no specks

What to look for, from fresh bag, dry and cheesy to long open, damp or musty.

Preparing