Nutritional yeast is a great way to get vitamins and minerals into your diet, especially if you don’t eat dairy or are looking for an alternative to soy sauce. It’s grown as a food source in some countries, but it’s also available as a supplement in the United States.
Nutritional yeast is a flaky, yellow-brown yeast cultivated on molasses and then dried. This process gives nutritional yeast a cheesy flavor and aroma.
Nutritional yeast, sometimes called “nooch,” has been used in foods like bread and pasta since at least the 1920s. It can be sprinkled on salads, eaten by itself as a snack, or mixed into recipes that call for cheese, like macaroni & cheese.
In this article, we will talk about where to find nutritional yeast in grocery stores and other critical things about nutritional yeasts.
Why Nutritional Yeast?
While many people use nutritional yeast because it tastes good, it may provide several other benefits.
Nutritional yeast is high in protein and fiber, which makes it a good source of complete protein for vegans who don’t eat animal products.
It also contains B vitamins, including folic acid, essential for cell growth and development.
The vitamin B12 content in nutritional yeast may be helpful for those who follow a plant-based diet but have difficulty getting enough from foods alone.
Where to Find Nutritional Yeast in Grocery Stores
Now, let’s talk about where to find nutritional yeast in grocery stores. Nutritional yeast is a popular vegan ingredient. You can find it at most grocery stores, health food stores, and online.
Here are some of the most common places to look for nutritional yeast in grocery stores:
- Your local health food store often sells it in bulk, so you can buy as much or as little as you need without buying an entire package.
- In the refrigerated section of your local health food store, they keep their nut milk, cheeses, etc.
- In the condiment aisle with other spices, seasonings, and specialty items like hot sauce and salsa
Which Grocery Stores Sell Nutritional Yeast?
You can find nutritional yeast in the natural/organic section of major grocery chains like:
- GNC
- Kroger
- Meijer
- Publix
- Safeway
- Sprouts
- Trader Joes
- Vitamin Shoppe
- Walmart
- Wegman’s
- Whole Foods
What Do Nutritional Yeast Packages Look Like?
Nutritional yeast comes in small foil packages. The packages are usually white or brown but can also come in green, blue, and orange colors.
Most brands of nutritional yeast have the word “nutritional” printed on the front of the package.
The package has a tear-off lid at one end and a perforated strip that allows you to tear off just enough of the product for your recipe without opening up the whole package.
Nutritional Yeast Flavor Profile
Nutritional yeast has a distinct flavor that can be described as earthy and savory.
It has a mild cheese-like taste similar to brewers or torula yeast. It also has a slight nuttiness, making it perfect for sweet and savory recipes.
How To Use Nutritional Yeast In Recipes
You can use nutritional yeast in place of cheese in your favorite recipes for baked goods, sauces, dips, and more! You can also add it to soups or stews for added flavor.
Also, nutritional yeast is often used as a topping on popcorn or sprinkled over salads instead of Parmesan cheese because it adds an extra punch of flavor without any added fat content or calories.
How To Tell If Nutritional Yeast Has Gone Bad?
A bad batch of nutritional yeast can be a real bummer. It can leave you with an unpleasant aftertaste and a funky odor.
Also, watch out for brown spots on the surface of the container or the yeast itself.
These spots are usually harmless but could indicate mold growing on the product. If you see any signs of decay, discard the product immediately.
An unpleasant smell or taste in your food or mouth when you take a bite of something that contains nutritional yeast. This is one of the most common telltale signs that your yeast has gone bad.
How To Store Nutritional Yeast
You can store nutritional yeast at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It will last for some time if stored properly.
To store nutritional yeast at room temperature, place it in a container with an airtight lid or resealable plastic bag.
The container should be opaque so light won’t affect the product’s nutritional value.
If you plan to keep it in your pantry for three months, you should store it in the freezer, where it will last indefinitely.
To store nutritional yeast in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
Also, consider freezing some of your nutritional yeast, so you always have some on hand when needed!
Conclusion
Nutritional yeast is a good source of many nutrients, including B vitamins, selenium, and protein.
Although high-quality nutritional yeast is a good source of B vitamins, it should not replace a healthy diet and regular exercise.
A healthy lifestyle will help you get the most out of nutritional yeast and all the vitamins and minerals you need for optimal health. You can buy them in many grocery stores.