In my quest to lead a healthier lifestyle, I’ve been trying to cut out processed foods as much as possible.
This has been a little tricky, especially when it comes to finding substitutes for some of my favorite ingredients. Nutritional yeast has been one of those challenges.
Why you may ask?
Well, for one, it’s a bit of an acquired taste. It’s also pretty pricey and can be hard to find in stores.
One day, I got tired of the struggle and decided to experiment on my own.
If you’re anything like me, you love nutritional yeast for its cheesy and nutty flavor. But what do you do when you run out or can’t find it in stores?
Today, I’ll share a list of substitutes for nutritional yeast that will make your recipes just as delicious! I’ll also give you tips on using them in your recipes.
Read on to learn more!
Substitutes For Nutritional Yeast:
- Chickpea flour
- Dried mushrooms
- Dried seaweed
- White miso paste
- Yeast extracts
- Brewers yeast
- Vegetable bouillon cubes
- Soy sauce
- Sunflower seeds
- Vegan parmesan cheese
- Ground cashews
- Dried onion flakes
- Vegetable broth
- Liquid aminos
- Homemade nutritional yeast
Chickpea flour
Chickpea flour is a healthy, gluten-free substitute for nutritional yeast. It is high in protein and fiber and has a nutty flavor that makes it perfect for use in recipes.
It can be used as a replacement for yeast in bread recipes, as a thickener for soups and sauces, and as a coating for chicken or fish. It is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
It is important to keep in mind that it has a different texture and flavor. Therefore, it is best used in recipes that call for a thick, creamy consistency.
It can also be used in place of all-purpose flour in baked goods. For best results, be sure to follow the recipe closely and taste the finished product before serving.
Chickpea flour is a healthy, versatile ingredient that can be used in place of nutritional yeast in many different recipes. With its nutty flavor and high nutrient content, it is an excellent way to boost the nutrition of any dish.
Dried mushrooms
Dried mushrooms are a great alternative to nutritional yeast in terms of flavor and nutrition. They are high in protein, fiber, and vitamins and have a rich, umami flavor that enhances the taste of many dishes.
They can be used to make soups, stews, sauces, pasta dishes, and grain dishes.
When using them it is important to rehydrate them in water before use. This will help to release their flavor and ensure that they are soft enough to eat. Porcini mushrooms are the best type to use for their strong flavor.
However, any type of dried mushroom will work as a substitute for nutritional yeast. Be sure to taste the dish before serving to adjust the seasonings as needed.
Dried mushrooms are a delicious and nutritious way to add flavor and nutrition to your recipes. With their rich, umami flavor, they are an excellent substitute for nutritional yeast.
Dried seaweed
Dried seaweed, a form of algae that grows in the sea, is high in vitamins and minerals and has a savory umami flavor that enhances the taste of many dishes.
When using dried seaweed it is important to rehydrate it in water before use. This will help to release its flavor and ensure that it is soft enough to eat.
Nori sheets are the best type of seaweed for their powerful taste. Any dried seaweed may be substituted for nutritional yeast, although it’s not necessary. Before serving, taste the dish to modify the seasonings as needed.
To obtain a comparable taste, nutrition, and texture, sprinkle it in your dishes or use it in stews, salads, soups, risottos, and other meals.
White miso paste
White miso paste is a fermented food ingredient made from soybeans and rice. It has a salty umami flavor that enhances the taste of many dishes.
It can be used to make soups, stews, sauces, and grain dishes. It also works well in vegan cheese sauce. You may use it to enhance the flavor of bread dough.
When using white miso paste, be sure to dilute it in water before use. This will help to release its flavor and ensure that it is the right consistency.
Over and above that, when using miso paste rather than nutritional yeast, make sure you use about ⅓ of the quantity called for in the recipe.
White miso paste is a healthy, fermented food that can be used as a substitute for nutritional yeast. With its salty, umami flavor, it is an excellent way to boost the flavor of any dish.
Yeast extracts
How do you make yeast extracts? By subjecting baker’s yeast to a process of heat and pressure, you can break down the cell walls and extract the flavor compounds.
Yeast extracts taste savory and umami-rich. They can also be added to gravy, crackers, frozen dinners, canned soups, snack foods, and other pre-prepared meals as spices and food additives.
They provide the same vitamins and minerals as nutritional yeast, which is beneficial for your health. Vegemite and Marmite are two well-known products prepared with yeast extract.
Brewers yeast
Brewer’s yeast is a type of yeast that is often used in the production of beer and wine. It’s produced from the same yeast as nutritional yeast. And, it can also be used as a nutritional supplement.
It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It has a savory flavor with hints of chocolate and coffee.
Brewer’s yeast can be used as a nutritional supplement, added to soups and stews, or sprinkled on top of food. Be careful though, it has a slightly bitter flavor, so measure it out carefully and taste as you go.
Vegetable bouillon cubes or powder
Vegetable bouillon cubes or powder are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your dishes. They are made from vegetables, herbs, and spices and dissolved in water to make a broth.
You can use them as a seasoning for soups, stews, sauces, rice dishes, pasta dishes, and more.
When using bouillon cubes or powder, be sure to taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Make sure they are dissolved before you add them to your dish. Take advantage of the low salt content and use low-sodium cubes to prevent health problems.
They have a salty, umami flavor. As a result, they may be utilized as a nutritional yeast replacement in many dishes.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce is a fermented food made from soybeans, wheat, and salt. It has a salty umami flavor that can enhance the taste of many dishes. It also has a thick texture.
While it is high in sodium, it can be used sparingly to add flavor without adding too much salt. Try using it in stir-fries, soups, sauces, and marinades.
If you are looking for a salt-free option, tamari soy sauce is a good choice. It is made without wheat and has a richer flavor than regular soy sauce.
Use a little soy sauce at first, then add more if necessary.
Sunflower seeds
This is an appropriate substitute if you have a nut allergy.
Sunflower seeds are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. They can be used to make pesto, hummus, and other dips.
They can also be added to salads, soups, grain dishes, and veggie burgers.
If you want to use sunflower seeds as a nutritional yeast substitute, be sure to grind them into a powder first. This will help them to dissolve better and give your dish a more consistent flavor.
It may also be used to season popcorn or pasta. When using salted sunflower seeds, make sure to use less salt.
Vegan parmesan cheese
If you want the flavor and texture of nutritional yeast without the B vitamins, this would be perfect for you.
Vegan parmesan cheese is made from nuts, seeds, or tofu. It is usually fortified with vitamin B12. It has a cheesy flavor and can be used as a topping for pasta, salads, and pizzas.
When using vegan parmesan cheese, be sure to add it after the dish is cooked. This will help to preserve its flavor and prevent it from becoming bitter.
Ground cashews
Cashews are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They can be used to make cheese, dips, and sauces.
When using cashews as a nutritional yeast substitute, be sure to grind them into a powder, after you have soaked them in water to soften them. This will help them dissolve better and give your dish a more consistent flavor.
You can also use them to thicken soups and sauces or as a base for dips. You will get a nutty flavor, not very similar to the flavor of the nutritional yeast. However, it is still a great substitute.
Dried onion flakes
Dried onion flakes are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your dishes. They are made from onions that have been dried and then ground into a powder.
With this substitute, the onion flavor is more concentrated. This means that you only need to use a little bit to get the same flavor as if you had used a fresh onion. If you don’t get the quantity right, it may overwhelm your dish.
If you’re going for a thicker texture, mix it with chickpea flour or flour before adding it to your dish.
You can add it to soups, stews, sauces, and more. Just be sure to taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasonings. You won’t get the same flavor but it will turn out well if done right.
Vegetable broth
Vegetable broth is made from vegetables, water, and spices. It is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your dishes.
You can use it as a base for soups, stews, and sauces. It can also be used to cooked grains or as a flavorful addition to pasta dishes. You can also add it to grain dishes, such as risotto, to give them a boost of flavor.
Vegetable broth is a healthy option, seeing that it is a good source of vitamins and minerals.
When using vegetable broth as a nutritional yeast substitute, be sure to use it in the same proportions as you would water. This will help to prevent your dish from becoming too salty. Also, remember to add less water because the vegetable broth itself is liquid.
Liquid aminos
Liquid aminos is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your dishes. It is made from soybeans and has a similar flavor and texture. They’re created by fermenting coconut sap with water and salt or by treating soybeans with acidic solutions until they break down into free amino acids.
It can be used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces. It can also be used to add flavor to pasta dishes, grain dishes, and veggie burgers.
Liquid aminos is a good source of protein and vitamins. When using it as a nutritional yeast substitute, be sure to use it in the same proportions as you would soy sauce. What I mean is, use it in small amounts, so that your dish does not become too salty.
Homemade nutritional yeast
Why go through all the hustle when you can make your own nutritional yeast at home? All you need is a little time and two cups of cooked sprouted chickpeas, as well as one cup of white miso paste. When they’ve been baked at a low heat until dry, mix them into a powder.
You can use this homemade nutritional yeast in any dish that you would normally use the store-bought version. The flavor is slightly different but just as delicious.
FAQs
Can you skip nutritional yeast in a recipe?
Yes, you can. If your recipe calls for nutritional yeast and you don’t have it on hand, there are substitutes that you can use.
Can I use normal yeast instead of nutritional yeast?
You can’t do it, no matter how much you want to. Despite their similar appearance, they aren’t the same. Bread and other baked goods are leavened with regular yeast, which is a live fungus that grows on food. Nutritional yeast is non-active yeast that has nutritional benefits as well as a pleasant flavor.
What does nutritional yeast do in a recipe?
Nutritional yeast is often used as a cheese substitute in vegan recipes. It has a savory, umami flavor that can add depth of flavor to dishes. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
What is a vegan substitute for nutritional yeast?
There are many substitutes for nutritional yeast, including onion powder, garlic powder, vegetable broth, liquid aminos, and homemade nutritional yeast.
Is nutritional yeast good for you?
Yes, it is. Nutritional yeast is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is also low in calories and fat.
The Bottomline
We have come to the end of this article. We hope that you have found it informative and helpful.
Remember, when substituting for nutritional yeast, be sure to use them in small amounts first and then adjust to taste. This will help to prevent your dish from becoming too salty.
Also, remember that each substitute has its own unique flavor. So, experiment and see which one you like the best.