Nutritional yeast has become a staple in many vegan and vegetarian diets, thanks to its cheesy, nutty flavour and nutritional benefits. However, if you’re out of nutritional yeast or simply don’t enjoy its taste, you may be wondering what you can use as a substitute.
What is Nutritional Yeast?
Before we dive into substitutes, let’s first understand what nutritional yeast is. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that is grown on molasses and then harvested, washed, and dried with heat to deactivate it. It is often sold in the form of flakes or powder and has a yellowish colour.
Nutritional yeast is a popular ingredient in vegan and vegetarian diets because it is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It is also a good source of B vitamins, including B12, which is often lacking in plant-based diets.
How is Nutritional Yeast Used?
Nutritional yeast is commonly used as a seasoning or condiment, adding a cheesy, nutty flavour to dishes. It can be sprinkled on top of popcorn, pasta, or salads, or mixed into sauces, dips, and dressings. It is also a popular ingredient in vegan “cheese” recipes, adding a savoury flavour and creamy texture.
Nutritional Yeast Substitutes
If you’re out of nutritional yeast or simply don’t enjoy its taste, there are several substitutes you can use in your recipes. Here are some of the best options:
1. Parmesan Cheese
If you’re not vegan or dairy-free, parmesan cheese is an excellent substitute for nutritional yeast. It has a similar nutty, savoury flavour and can be used in the same way. Simply sprinkle it on top of your favourite dishes or mix it into sauces and dips for a cheesy flavour.
2. Miso Paste
Miso paste is a fermented soybean paste that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It has a salty, umami flavour that is similar to nutritional yeast. You can use it as a substitute in recipes that call for nutritional yeast, such as sauces, dressings, and dips. Keep in mind that miso paste is quite salty, so you may need to adjust the salt in your recipe accordingly.
3. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is another fermented soybean product that can be used as a nutritional yeast substitute. It has a salty, savoury flavour that can add depth to your dishes. You can use it in place of nutritional yeast in sauces, dressings, and marinades. Keep in mind that soy sauce is quite salty, so you may need to adjust the salt in your recipe accordingly.
4. Tahini
Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds and is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a nutty, slightly bitter flavour that can mimic the nuttiness of nutritional yeast. You can use it in sauces, dressings, and dips, or mix it with water to create a creamy sauce similar to a vegan “cheese” sauce.
5. Brewer’s Yeast
Brewer’s yeast is a byproduct of beer brewing and is often used as a nutritional supplement. It has a similar nutritional profile to nutritional yeast and can be used as a substitute in recipes. However, it has a slightly bitter taste, so you may need to use less of it than you would nutritional yeast.
6. Vegetable Broth
If you’re looking for a liquid substitute for nutritional yeast, vegetable broth is an excellent option. It has a savoury, umami flavour that can add depth to your dishes. You can use it in place of nutritional yeast in sauces, soups, and stews, or mix it with water to create a broth that can be used as a base for vegan “cheese” sauces.
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How to Use The Substitutes
Now that you know some of the best nutritional yeast substitutes, let’s explore how to use them in your favourite recipes.
1. Sprinkle on Top
The easiest way to use nutritional yeast substitutes is to sprinkle them on top of your favourite dishes. Whether it’s popcorn, pasta, or salads, simply sprinkle your chosen substitute on top for a cheesy, nutty flavour.
2. Mix into Sauces and Dips
Nutritional yeast substitutes can also be mixed into sauces and dips to add a cheesy flavour. Simply add a small amount of your chosen substitute to your sauce or dip and adjust the seasoning to taste.
3. Use in Vegan “Cheese” Recipes
If you’re making a vegan “cheese” sauce, you can use any of the nutritional yeast substitutes mentioned above. Simply mix your chosen substitute with water or plant-based milk and seasonings to create a creamy, cheesy sauce.
4. Add to Soups and Stews
If you’re making a soup or stew, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute for nutritional yeast. Simply add it to your recipe in place of nutritional yeast for a savoury, umami flavour.
Tips for Using Substitutes
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using nutritional yeast substitutes:
- Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. Nutritional yeast substitutes can have strong flavours, so it’s best to start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Consider the salt content. Some nutritional yeast substitutes, such as soy sauce and miso paste, are quite salty. Keep this in mind when using them in your recipes and adjust the salt accordingly.
- Experiment with different substitutes. Everyone’s taste preferences are different, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different substitutes to find the one that works best for you.
In Conclusion
Nutritional yeast is a popular ingredient in vegan and vegetarian diets, but if you’re out of it or simply don’t enjoy its taste, there are several substitutes you can use. Whether it’s parmesan cheese, miso paste, or vegetable broth, these substitutes can add a cheesy, nutty flavour to your dishes. Experiment with different substitutes to find the one that works best for you and enjoy the benefits of a delicious, plant-based diet.