Nutritional Yeast Question
Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 10:13 amI'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?
auntemmy wrote: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.
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=22533
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, use it sparingly as a condiment.
In Health
Jeff Novick, MS, RD