Once a food only known about by vegans, nutritional yeast, or “nooch,” as the cool kids call it, has gained mainstream status in the swell of the plant-based movement. The stuff is made by culturing a strain of yeast in a medium, like molasses or sugarcane, for several days. The yeast is then deactivated with heat (a.k.a. pasteurized), harvested, washed, dried, and packaged. Typically, it's also fortified with nutrients—namely B vitamins—typically found in animal products, which is good news for anyone swapping with nutritional yeast. The final product has a nutty, umami flavor that mimics Parmesan. In general, nutritional yeast is pretty darn healthy. A solid source of protein, those cheesy flakes are a complete protein, meaning they provide all nine essential amino acids. Our nutritional yeast is fortified with a whole slew of B vitamins, including vitamin B12. One serving of provides: 630 percent of your daily vitamin B12 needs, 90 percent of your daily folate needs, 420 percent of your daily vitamin B6 needs. It also offers a bit of iron, potassium, thiamine, riboflavin and zinc.
In a nutshell: Thanks to its impressive nutritional label, this stuff can benefit plant-eaters and omnivores alike.
1. It's a complete protein
2. It contains a solid amount of fibre
3. It’s MSG free
4. It provides much needed B12
5. It could help lower cholesterol
6. It’s packed with antioxidants
7. It can stabilize blood sugar levels