Nutritional yeast is a deactivated form of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, also known as baker’s or brewer’s yeast. A popular food product often used in vegan cooking, it provides an “umami” or essence of cheese or nutty flavour in plant- based dishes.
While nutritional yeast is naturally rich in B vitamins, most nutritional yeast available for purchase has been fortified with additional vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, such as B12, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6.
Vitamin B12 in particular is needed for a healthy nervous system, DNA production, energy metabolism and the creation of red blood cells. Nutritional yeast is a great way for vegans or those eating a plant-based diet to consume Vitamin B12, as it is only found naturally in animal products.
