what is nutritional yeast

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that is sold commercially as a food product. It is often a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is sold in the form of yellow flakes, granules, or powder. Nutritional yeast is popular with vegans and vegetarians and may be used as an ingredient in recipes or as a condiment. Nutritional yeast is produced by culturing yeast in a nutrient medium for several days, with glucose being the primary ingredient in the growth medium. The yeast is then deactivated with heat and harvested, washed, dried, and packaged. Nutritional yeast is a great source of plant-based protein, B vitamins, and trace minerals. It has a savory or umami flavor and may help lower cholesterol, boost immune health, and more. Nutritional yeast is generally safe for most people, but it may cause negative reactions in individuals who are sensitive to yeast or have inflammatory bowel disease. A 2 tablespoon serving of nutritional yeast contains 50 calories, 8 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, and 0 grams of sugar.