Nutritional Yeast: A Natural Booster for Health and Flavor

FREMONT, CA: Yeast extract is a rich source of proteins, amino acids, and nucleotides, which make it a versatile component that enhances the taste of food and beverages. The high protein content makes it have a complex and robust flavor. The umami flavor of yeast extract can add richness, expose the taste through base notes, and add distinctive flavors such as cheese, beef, or chicken. It is mainly used as a spread or spice in Australia and Great Britain.

Yeast extracts are a natural flavoring ingredient that can help manufacturers reduce salt, sugar, and fat in their products without compromising taste. They intensify salt perception and bring specific flavor notes while also helping in sugar reduction by intensifying brown flavor notes and masking off-notes from sweeteners. Yeast extract is also valuable in vegan and vegetarian products, as it strengthens flavor base notes and adds specific notes. However, gluten declaration and gluten-free status depend on local regulations.

Among the many advantages of nutritional yeast are increased energy, immune system support, better skin, hair, and nail health, enhanced glucose sensitivity, and support for a safe pregnancy. Vitamin B-12 is sometimes added to nutritional yeast by producers, which helps guard against exhaustion and weakness. Additionally, especially in adolescence, it can treat diarrhea, lessen inflammation caused by bacterial infections, and fight off brittle nails, hair loss, acne, and other skin issues.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes who consume nutritional yeast had improved glucose sensitivity. In an animal model, chromium-enriched yeast, usually brewer's yeast, has been shown to reduce cholesterol and fasting blood glucose levels. Given that the US Preventive Services Task Force advises women to take 400–800 mcg of folic acid daily to prevent congenital abnormalities and support fetal growth, nutritional yeast can also help ensure a healthy pregnancy. Folic acid is frequently added to nutritional yeast by manufacturers, which makes it a helpful supplement for expectant mothers.