what is autolyzed yeast extract
Sliced deli meats and cheeses on a board. Photo Credit Lawkeeper/iStock/Getty Images. Autolyzed yeast extract is a substance that results when yeast is broken down into its constituent components. It naturally contains free glutamic acid, or monosodium glutamate, and is often used as a less expensive substitute for MSG.f you follow a gluten-free diet you'll need to avoid autolyzed yeast extract because it's a source of hidden gluten, according to Colorado State University. Another possible concern about consuming autolyzed yeast extract is that it naturally contains monosodium glutamate.