There’s been quite a buzz lately about the so-called dangers of nutritional yeast. It’s time to clear the air. I’m here to dispel the myths and bring to light the essential facts you need to know about nutritional yeast!
As someone who has consumed nutritional yeast for years without any problems (and many apparent health benefits!), I want to address many of the myths and misinformation floating around about this superfood. So I’m going to address them all to the best of my ability, along with providing some research and nutritional science, right here in this post.
What is Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional yeast, or “nooch” as some affectionately call it, is quite the darling in the health community—and for good reason. This deactivated yeast, grown on a sugary food source, is a far cry from the active yeasts you might use in your bread-making. It won’t cause your dough to rise, but it will lift your nutrient intake to impressive new heights while offering numerous health benefits.
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast, which means it’s not alive and cannot cause fermentation. It’s primarily used as a nutritional supplement for its flavor and is packed with vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins.
Yeast cells work by consuming sugars and converting them into energy and byproducts through a process called fermentation. They need the same vitamins and amino acids that we humans do, yet because nutritional yeast is grown on sugary foods lacking in some nutrients, the yeast is forced to manufacture its own amino acids and vitamins through biochemical reactions.
Nutritional yeast is a favorite among those following plant-based diets for its savory, cheese-like flavor. You’ll often find it sprinkled over popcorn, stirred into creamy pasta sauces, or whisked into a dairy-free cheesy cashew sauce for a healthful twist on mac ‘n’ cheese.
There are two main types of nutritional yeast that often get interchanged:
Brewers yeast: This type of yeast is grown from hops (a by-product of brewing beer), and has been around since beer-making began… and can be consumed by humans or used to fortify other products or even given to pets. The other is…
Pure nutritional yeast: This is usually grown from sugar cane, beat molasses, or wood pulp. And it’s grown specifically for the purpose of human food consumption.
Nutritional Yeast Dangers: Are They Real or Overstated?
Almost everybody has some yeast in and on it. It’s found in oral cavities, the digestive tract, and even on the skin. In a healthy biological system, the presence of helpful bacteria keeps yeast in balance. If you’ve ever taken a course of antibiotics and then suffered a yeast infection, then you are aware of some of the consequences that occur when your body gets out of balance.
Post-antibiotic yeast infections occur because antibiotics kill off more than just the harmful bacteria in your body. They also kill beneficial bacteria. The result is often Candida overgrowth.
Candida is definitely a bad yeast. Candida robs your body of essential nutrients like iron and other minerals and helps keep your blood very acidic. Unless its source of food is eliminated, Candida Albicans can take over and slowly destroy your digestive system your immunity and drain you of your energy and health — often leading to the following symptoms:
- Tiredness after eating
- Constipation, diarrhea, or other forms of bowel irregularities
- Feelings of anger, depression, aggression, or anxiety after eating
- Mood swings
- Brain fog
- Cravings for simple carbohydrates
- Food allergies
- Vertigo
- Repeated fungal infections like jock itch or athlete’s foot
- Joint pain
- Sensitivity to extreme environments
- Chronic pain
- Acid reflux
But not all yeast is the same!
Nutritional yeast is an entirely different strain of yeast — also known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae — and bears no relationship or connection to candida. In addition to being a different strain, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is heated and, therefore, not an “active” yeast. Therefore, it has no effect on candida whatsoever, positive or negative. Your body treats it just as it would any other food.
While there are those who argue that Saccharomyces cerevisiae is not well-tolerated by those who have Candida albicans overgrowth, there is no science or research to support this — and not even a scientific explanation. Because the yeast is deactivated, what we have left in the finished product is just an assortment of vitamins and minerals, plus macronutrients such as protein, carbs and a little fat.
Always remember: just because a food or beverage contains yeast, or uses yeast in its processing, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad yeast. Nutritional yeast is proof of that.
Related: Does Nutritional Yeast Cause More Yeast Growth In The Body?
What About MSG-Like Compounds?
The last — and perhaps scariest — critique of nutritional yeast is that it contains MSG-like compounds, and MSG is a well-known excitotoxin that damages the brain.
Therefore nutritional yeast damages your brain, right?
Not so fast!
Nutritional yeast is different than yeast additives, often referred to under strange names such as “autolyzed yeast extract” and others.
Natural yeast, without additives, contains approximately 6 to 11% naturally occurring glutamic acid, one of the nonessential amino acids, since our bodies can produce it.
Our bodies are meant to be able to handle a certain amount of this form of glutamate. It is in a bound form, which is naturally broken down into its free form so that it can enter the bloodstream and be released by the liver to be used by the brain.
Glutamate receptors have more recently been located in many other parts of the body, including the lungs, the breasts, heart, and joints. When naturally occurring glutamate is broken down as it should be, slowly and as nature intended, there shouldn’t be a problem unless we are born without the ability to process glutamate correctly.
The problem most likely lies in the fact that today, we are bombarded with processed foods that contain several sources of free, i.e. processed glutamate, which is the harmful and excitotoxic component of MSG.
It is harmful because it is a form that needs no digesting, allowing large amounts into the bloodstream immediately, and also because it contains other forms of free glutamate, such as pyroglutamic acid, D- glutamic acid, and carcinogens.
So free glutamic acid is a real and legitimate concern — please know that I’m not dismissing that. In my research, however, nutritional yeast is not rich in this artificially added/produced form of free glutamic acid and is, therefore not in this category. It is the many other forms of artificial “flavoring” and yeast extracts found in processed foods that we should be avoiding.
Related: Are Probiotics Good For Combating Yeast Infections?
What are the Health Benefits of Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional yeast is a cherished addition to any health-conscious kitchen, offering a wealth of health benefits in a small, versatile package.
The Vitamins Found in Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is rich in Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, and often Vitamin B12 (more on this one in a moment.) These are all B vitamins that work as a complex, essentially providing you with energy and helping you to maintain proper brain function. Among many other important functions, they are also essential for beautiful, healthy hair (which I know we do all care about!).
In fact, B vitamins “wear many hats” in terms of their role in our body. In addition to energy production, brain function, and rebuilding of hair, they also have an impact on our fat burning, sleep, and much more. What’s more, B vitamins are often depleted during stress — which all of us face more than ever — and some of us more than others! This makes the need for daily consumption of B vitamin-rich foods all the more important. B vitamins can also be depleted from eating junk foods.
Vitamin B12 in Nutritional Yeast
It has been long believed that nutritional yeast contains vitamin B12, naturally — but that is not true. Unlike other microorganisms, such as probiotics, yeast cannot produce vitamin B12. The reason many fortified nutritional yeast products contain vitamin B12 is that they are added it at the end of the process. This is not necessarily a bad thing because it means that you’re still getting B12 at the end of the day!
Ultimately, as a vegan, I would not rely solely on nutritional yeast for my B12 needs. Because it is such an important vitamin and there’s more risk for us who don’t eat animal products — I think a more multi-faceted approach for B12 is best.
Your gut can produce certain B vitamins, but for B12, it requires a helping hand. This is where Solluna’s Feel Good Probiotics can play a role. They help create a balanced gut environment, which is fundamental for overall health.
Related: The Inside Scoop On B12 & Why You Need It!
Folic Acid in Nutritional Yeast
Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9, is another crucial nutrient, especially important for cell growth and DNA synthesis. While nutritional yeast can be a good source of folic acid, if you’re on a vegan diet, it’s also important to include a variety of folic acid-rich foods like leafy greens, oranges, and beans, or consider a supplement to meet your needs.
Just like with B12, you can’t rely exclusively on nutritional yeast for all your vitamin needs. It’s all about a balanced, diverse diet to ensure you’re getting the full spectrum of nutrients your body requires.
Protein Content
For bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, the yeast’s high protein content, representing 71% of its weight, is a boon. It’s a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies can’t produce on their own. This makes it particularly beneficial for muscle repair and growth, and because it’s plant-based, it’s a fantastic option for vegans and vegetarians looking to boost their protein intake.
Mineral Content
Nutritional yeast’s mineral content, including zinc, selenium, and magnesium, supports various bodily functions, from immune response to bone health. It’s also a fiber-rich food, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management.
Final Thoughts: Nutritional Yeast in Your Diet
Hopefully, this article helps you understand everything you need to know about nutritional yeast and dispels some myths about why it may be bad for you. I realize I’ve given you a lot of information, so please take time to read through it carefully, and please definitely let me know if you have any questions.
Anecdotally, I want to conclude by saying that I’ve personally been consuming nutritional yeast very regularly for years, and I’ve experienced no issues at all. If anything, I feel stronger, healthier, and more mentally sharp than ever before.
So this experience, coupled with the research and nutritional information I’ve provided, is what causes me to feel comfortable recommending it to you and our community.
Of course, the underlying truth of all nutritional advice is that as you become more sensitive to the effects of different foods and learn to listen to your body better and better — you’ll instinctively know when food works well in your body. Or when it’s time to eliminate it.
Nutritional yeast works for me, and ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether it’s the best thing for your body.
Thanks again for reading and being part of this super awesome community, and look out for more great stuff from us this week!
I simply just love nutritional yeast . I can’t say enough good things about it. Nutritional yeast is so easy to sneak into any meal to get some extra b12 In Your Diet.
Thanks for this. Very informative. I’m curious on the best ways to add nutritional yeast to my daily diet.
Thanks so much Kimberly for this great article I love nutritional yeast and have been using it daily Thanks to you! I made your asparagus Brown rice risotto from the beauty detox foods last night it was so tasty especially with the added nutritional yeast at the end! ! Thanks for your books and all your work xoxo Chiara
Thank you Kimberly for your honesty! I will definitely use it in your recipes.
My daughter reacts to MSG and MSG like compounds with seizures. She has tried to eat foods with nutritional yeast in the ingredients, but finds it causes the same seizures. We must avoid it. So, I personally disagree with you assessment that nutritional yeast is nothing like other msg compounds
Hi Carolyn, sorry to hear that. But it seems most of the time when “yeast” is added to foods with multiple ingredients, it’s not the pure nutritional yeast and is actually the extract that we mentioned is problematic in the article. I agree it’s better to be safe, it’s just that I’ve never seen pure nutritional yeast in packaged foods apart from a few “raw food” cheese substitutes, which aren’t available many places.
I SO wish it worked for me, but I have issues with SIBO, Lyme and candida and ever since then I have terrible reactions. But this article is the best I have seen on the benefits. Bravo and thank you!
Hello Kimberly,
Thank you so much for writing this article. I loved Nutritional Yeast from the very beginning. I used to add parmesan and goat cheese to my salads. However now I only use Nutritional Yeast. I will enjoy it even more now that I know the added benefits.
I wanted to know what gives it that cheesy smell? I wish my husband would eat it but he doesn’t like the cheesy smell that it has.
I always use it when I make Dharma’s Kale salad and pesto sauce. I was pleasantly surprised how delicious the pesto was with the Nutritional Yeast.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write these articles!!! In addition, I wanted to say that it was such a pleasure to meet you at Washington Square Park at the “Meet up” and I look forward to meeting with Katelyn this month!! :-)
Thanks Kimberly for the awesome info. I really appreciate this because it’s something I’ve been wondering about for a long time. I’ve had a container of nutritional yeast in our cupboard for a year now and have not been motivated to get back into it….until now! So thank you!
What B12 supplement do you recommend?
By far the most information pn this subject. You have helped me and Fianally incorporate this in my daily foods
Wonderful! Thanks so much Krista! ;)
Great article Kimberley. I wonder what you make of the latest research and the possible connection of yeast and pancreatic cancer? I realise nutritional yeast is a different strain than the one cited in the study, plus nutritional yeast is deactivated so should be fine right?
Study link is: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/03/health/pancreatic-cancer-fungi.html
Thank you!
Hi Beauty! I am a big fan of nutritional yeast, especially with plant-based diets, because it’s a great source of vitamin B-12. Nutritional yeast is considered safe to eat, because the yeast strains are killed during the processing stage and are inactive in the final product, so there shouldn’t be a concern with eating it in connection with pancreatic cancer :) Sending you lots of love!
Do you have any method/ tips for how to gain weight while eating this healthy?
I’ve bought two of your books which I find amazing, but I am underweight and need to gain more under skin fat(?) and weight in general, and hopefully while still eating healthy, as I enjoy the recipes in your book, and other I’ve found.
My nutritionist told me to add some spoon olive oil to my meals, to increase the calorie count and eat avocados, but it hasn’t done the trick so far.
Else I liked your blog about the nutritional yeast, etc, I’ve tried to eat healthy for awhile, but first now I’ve managed to cut the crap/ processed foods, etc, thanks to the inspiration I found in your easy-to-read books, as I’m trying to eat myself well from a auto-immune disease.
Excellent! Love the in depth explanation. You are always my go-to source for “natural life” information, as I know you have dedicated your life to this. Wouldn’t trust any source other than you! Thank you!
I love NY, but Kimberly, what is the recommended amout per day to achieve the most health benefits?
I have severe depression and PTSD I am currently in crisis and have had bouts of these very “sad” times throughout my life. Without getting deep into my maladies I am consuming nutritional yeast in orange juice 3 tsp. twice daily. Is that to much or to little?It seems to have improved my mood but I’m not getting my hopes up. Could someone please answer this if possible… Thank you.
Hi Rob, I am sorry to hear you are going though a rough time. You can be proud of yourself for taking steps to improve your health overall. If you want to try some variety, I use nutritional yeast in a lot of my recipes. You could try making a nice kale salad and use 1/2 an avocado with 1/2 juice from a lemon and a big sprinkle of nutritional yeast 3 tsp. would be totally fine.
Rob, I was just reading through the comments here (lovely article by the way Kimberly). Your comment is from half a decade ago but if you’re still wanting more tips on how to improve things I’d recommend Lion’s Mane mushrooms.
I absolutely love 2 spoonfuls of nutritional yeast stirred into a glass of milk. Delicious! Gets you going in the morning!
Thanks for sharing Nancy…Sending lots of love! ;)
Thank you so much for putting all this information together. My clients ask me all the time what it is and why I sprinkle it on everything! This is the most extensive article I’ve been able to find on it. Love everything you do. Thank you again.
Thanks so much Joanie, and for sharing the information with your clients too. Sending lots of love and support to you! ;)
Your article contains exactly the information I was seeking. In my journey towards becoming vegan, I turned to nutritional yeast as a parmesan substitute some months ago and it is working for me. I’m glad to hear it has so many health benefits! Calcium loss does concern me, so I’ll be adding kale to my pasta! Thank you for a very thorough and well-written piece!
That’s wonderful Rita and so glad to hear you’re on the road to healthy living. Thanks for your support and sending you lots of love! ;)
Hey Kimberly! I have a question? I have been putting in a couple table spoons of nutritional yeast into hot water (along with lemon and apple cider vinegar..my morning elixir ?) and I was wondering if I’m still getting all the nutritional value, or does heat kill any of it off?
Thanks Heidi for your great question. When we eat plant-based foods in their raw form we are certainly gaining more benefits since we are not cooking the nutrients out of them-this is true with most foods. Nutritional yeast seems to be able to take the heat while still benefiting from their nutrients. I would try to mix it up a bit by using it in it’s raw stages like, sprinkled on your salads or on top of popcorn too. This will help to vary it up so you gain all their benefits. Lots of love! ;)
Oh yes! I love it on both of those. The first time I tried nutritional yeast was in your yummy Dharma’s kale salad!!!
I’m so thankful for your heart to share your knowledge about health, because it’s truly changed my life! Thank you & God bless you ❤️
I just want to say I’m thankful for Kimberly Snyder, whenever I’m having difficulty finding a clear answer to one of my nutritional questions, it seem she will have a clear answer that helps me make a decision.
Thanks so much Nitrocraig. Hearing your feedback really helps to know what my listeners are needing in their daily lives for support. Sending you lots of love! ;)
Bought 2 large containers of Kal fortified nutritional yeast flakes because I was do excited about all the great benefits I’d read about. However after adding
to food, just a bit for a few days, I developed what seemed to be a yeast infection. I wanted to believe it was something else that caused it, so I waited a few months and tried again, but the same symptoms occurred. I’ve concluded that since I am prone to this problem, then I can’t use the yeast flakes whose benefits I was so looking forward to experiencing.
Hi Amy and thanks for sharing your personal experience with the Beauty Tribe. It’s unfortunate you are getting negative reactions to the yeast but it’s great to hear you are testing your food out and eliminating what you need to for better health. Keep up the great work and sending you lots of love! ;)
Thank you for this article. I just wanted to add that I get a numbing headache from eating anything that has nutritional yeast added – just like an MSG reaction.
So happy to hear you enjoyed this article. Lots of love and continued support to you! ;)
Thank you Kimberly,
What an amazing article, I have not been able to find such an in depth explanation before. I was wondering if you would recommend a “clean” organic brand of nutritional yeast and whether fortified is better than unfortified? Thank you in advance.
Mariana
I use this: https://amzn.to/2qEjEF2 brand. When you read all about it, you can understand why I choose Bragg. Let us know how you do. Lots of love to you! ;)
Kimberly,
I heard decades ago that sunlight is not good for nutritional yeast. Yet I find it sold in bulk in stores with clear plastic, and Bragg’s, which I use also, is not in a dark container. Is this true about nutritional yeast?
Thanks,
Melva
Hi Melva – Yes, I’ve read that nutritional yeast may lose some of the nutritional value of the riboflavin since it is light-sensitive. I personally have not seen it packaged in dark containers, however, you can transfer it once bought. It will have lost some nutritional value but we do the best we can with what our options are. Hopefully this will improve in the near future. Progress not perfection, right. Keep up the great work and lots of love! ;)
Thank you for this wonderful research and information! So helpful and grateful. I just started to add nutritional yeast to my salads at home. Delicious ????
????
I am 78 years old very active. I still ride my bicycle but recently injured my arm. Incomplete tendon tear and dislocated my shoulder. I am trying to figure out how to get more protein ( usually low in protein lab work)and the amino acids with using the muscle milk etc most too expensive and filled with fillers. I have been researching these and was curious about the amino acids how to get them and the protein in a less expensive way. I have myasthenia gravis but I do not believe the nutritional yeast will interfere. I do listen to my body. I am going to try the yeast. Thank you for the information.
Thanks for sharing your personal experience Patricia. Let us know how you’re doing and sending you lots of love and continued support! ;)
I am highly sensitive to MSG and get extremely sick if I ingest it. There is absolutely no doubt when a food has MSG in it to my body, it picks it up immediately. I cannot eat Nutritional Yeast. I get all the same symptoms and get extremely ill if I eat it. I won’t go near it.
Hi Kimberly, first I must say thank you so very much for putting this information out here for us. I have been trying to find information on nutritional yeast and this is the most helpful information that I have found, my daughter was diagnosed with end stage congested heart failure and had surgery 3 years ago, sadly she contracted MRSA and the antibiotics have done a number on her. When I read the benifits of nutritional yeast I was overwhelmed and I am introducing it to her.
Would you recommend it for her?
Hi Patsy – so sorry to hear about your daughter. Particularly in cases like this, I would recommend talking to your health care practitioner to ensure she is getting the right foods for her condition, just to be on the safe side. However, it never hurts to be eating well and taking care of your body by consuming only the best ingredients. Please let us know how she’s doing and you as well. It’s a lot for us mom’s to see what our kids go through and to take care of them, so be sure you’re taking care of yourself first so you have the strength for others. Lots of love to you both! Xo
Great article Kimberly! My reason for looking into nutritional yeast is just adding it as a source of B vitamins when I break a fast when doing intermittent fasting. Let me back up a say that I am not sensitive to MSG. I have read the response from those we are sensitive to MSG having a reaction after eating nutritional yeast, and do not doubt their sincerity or your research… So I am left wondering does nutritional yeast contain MSG, or does it contain something else that causes the same reaction in those who already have certain sensitivities??? Bottom line I am trying to overcome insulin resistance and do not want to unintentionally consume MSG which could negatively impact my insulin response. Can you offer any advice in that area? I understand that most of the carbohydrates are in the form of fiber. I assume I would need to take into consideration how many grams of protein I am consuming after I break my fast to ensure I don’t accidently eat too many grams and cause a reaction of glucogenisis??? Maybe I am overthinking it :). If you have some input I would appreciate it!
Hi April – thanks so much for sharing your personal experience and thoughts. What I love to do in these situations is suggest you consult with your health care practitioner. This will ensure you are receiving the best health advice for you personally. There are so many variables and a nutritionist can typically pinpoint areas of weakness in your immunity and overall digestive system. Let us know how you do. We love to hear the results. Sending you so much love! ;)
Fantastic article about nutritional yeast. So well written. Thank you. Is it possible to get a list of all the vitamins and nutrients values in nutritional yeast as a reference. I realize it would be an estimation.
Thanks!
Hi Pat – thanks for the review and so good to hear you enjoyed this post. As an estimate, 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast has about the following:
60 calories
8 grams (g) of protein
3 g of fiber
11.85 milligrams (mg) of thiamine, or vitamin B-1
9.70 mg of riboflavin, or vitamin B-2
5.90 mg of vitamin B-6
17.60 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B-12
There are many other benefits that you can google but this will give you an estimate. Again, thanks for checking out my post and let me know how you use nutritional yeast in your recipes! ;)
May I know from which research you get an estimate of the nutriens values in nutritional yeast, Ms. Kim? i need to know it from you as a good nutritionist i think, because I got the assignment from my lecturer to write an article about the truth of nutritional yeast. Thanks before mommy, i love you
Hello there, Ms. Kimberly Snyder. Imma student of nutrition in Indonesia. Feeling happy to read your blogs, this is the goodest, thank you so much. God bless you!
Thank you so much Amelia…so much love to you! ;)
Nicely written article , thank you. I think with every food, there is always somebody who will have a reaction, even to an organic fruit or vegetable…..but for the most there will be no issue. Best if everyone is responsible for discovering and not making it bad for everyone.
We use nutritional yeast in a recipe of bread and for the most part, zero issues but once in a while someone will comment how bad it is (without trying the bread)and this article has shed some light on the positive vs the rare person who has a reaction. Thank you so much
Thanks so much Carol. I agree. In the end, we all need to do what’s best for our individual bodies. Lots of love to you! ;)
I started using nutritional yeast because of your recipes and I’m adding it into my food as often as I can. Thank you! <33
I love nutritional yeast – it adds such great flavor and benefits! Enjoy! :)
Thank you! I like nutritional yeast a lot and I was concerned about the brain damage. The source of the damage claim had no scientific evidence whatsoever and seemed argue on little foundation.
Hi Beauty! I think it’s smart of you to look into the claim, rather than taking it at face value! There is a lot of confusing information out there in the world of nutrition! :) Sending you lots of love xx
I have been using nut yeast on popcorn for years I would like to know if I were sensitive would I have reacted right away in the beginning of usage thanks
Hi Beauty! Because every body is different, some people may be sensitive to nutritional yeast. If you have any concerns about reacting to it, I recommend consulting your health physician ;) xx
Thank you so much for this! It seems like half of the articles on nutritional yeast are calling it the devil’s food, and the other half are singing its praises, but not dispelling the myths the other half are perpetuating. Your research is much appreciated and very reassuring as someone who eats a LOT of food with nutritional yeast!
Thanks so much Caitlin. Appreciate the support and happy you found this post helpful. Sending you lots of love! Xo