What is Nutritional Yeast and Why Should You Use It

About a year or so ago, I discovered something called nutritional yeast. In the foodie and vegan world, it is often known for short as “Nooch”. Nooch is a kind of deactivated (dead) yeast that has vitamins in it and can be added to so many dishes it’s almost ridiculous. Nooch is made by growing it on beet molasses. It’s then dried and made into flakes. Nooch is not to be confused with the kind of yeast you use to make baked goods. They are totally different things.

What Does Nooch Taste Like?

To me, it tastes kind of smokey and sort of cheesy. You don’t really notice it texture-wise in most recipes as it tends to kind of melt into them in a nice, subtle way. In an odd way, it sort of tastes like that nasty yellow cheese you get in powder form with the boxed mac n cheese.

What Nutritional Benefit Does Nutritional Yeast Have?

It is PACKED with protein. In fact, it’s a complete protein and 2 tablespoons contain around 8 grams of the stuff. It also has B-complex vitamins like niacin, and it has fiber. Even though it is grown on beet molasses, it is low in fat and sodium.

Where can I buy Nooch?

Nooch can be bought in bulk at some stores, but it is getting harder to find. It is super cheap if you can find it, though. I get mine at WINCO. If you can’t find it in stores, you can also buy Nooch online.

What are Some Ways I can Use Nooch?

My absolute favorite way to use Nooch is to sprinkle it on my popcorn. In fact, that was how I discovered it. One of my favorite things is cheesy popcorn and I was tired of using that fake cheese powder stuff on my popcorn because I knew it couldn’t be that good for my body and someone suggested Nooch instead. I fell in love and now prefer it! I have been known to take it to the movies with me in my purse to sprinkle on.

I have also used Nooch in soups, casseroles, spreads and other things I can mix it in generously to add a nutty or cheesy flavor. It tastes great in scrambled egg whites!

Do you like Nooch? Are you willing to give it a try if you haven’t tried it?

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