Discussion Board

I've been reading about using nutrional yeast as a cheese substitute among other things. What's the story? Is it good for you? Should I buy it?

Hi Aunt Emmy

Nutritional yeast is often used by vegans and vegetarians because it is thought to be a good source of B vitamins and protein and some think of it as a good source of B12 and as you mentioned, it is also often used as a cheese substitute in some recipes. Some people even use it in a shaker as a Parmesan cheese substitute.

There is only one (or maybe two) versions of it that may actually have B12 added to them, but I do not consider it a reliable source of B12 due to other issues involved in the way it is handled.

I do not think it is a necessary addition to the diet as a healthy diet is not deficient in B vitamins or protein.

However, if you find it useful in some recipes, I see no reason to avoid it.

In Health
Jeff Novick, MS, RD

I found an non-fortified nutritional yeast at Whole Foods. The only ingredient listed was "Non-fortified, primary nutritional yeast (saccharomyces cerevisae)". I want to avoid getting "mega-doses" of vitamins an minerals.

Is this a better choice? It costs a little bit more than the other fortified varieties.

Should I be concerned that it is located in their supplements department?

Thank you!

I am not sure what you mean by "better." In regard to?

My above comments still apply.

In Health
Jeff

I mean is it actually "better" that it doesn't have added supplements. If given the option, which is preferable in regards to health: fortified or non-fortified?

Since I have so many choices, I was a little overwhelmed in trying to decide so I ended up buying a few different ones and they all taste pretty much the same.

I'm probably just thinking about it too much.

Thanks for the clarification.

I prefer and recommend that we get our nutrients from foods and not supplements. Fortified foods are just foods that have had supplements added to them. Therefore, I am not a fan at all of fortified foods at all.

In Health
Jeff

I missed your reply. Thanks. I am going to buy the un-fortified nutritional yeast since I am using it only for flavor not as a source of any particular vitamin or mineral. In fact, my kitchen is almost completely free from any fortified foods, and I have not bought any foods with supplements since I started on the McDougall Plan.

I think I'm really starting to get the hang of this. It's getting easier every day.