nutritional yeast

noun

plural nutritional yeasts

: a deactivated yeast (such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) used in powdered or flake form as a flavoring or condiment

Nutritional yeast is not a byproduct; it's grown specifically for dietary supplement use and has a better taste and nutritional profile than brewer's yeast (some brands are good sources of B-12). Its pleasant nutty-cheesy flavor makes it appealing to vegetarians—as a topping for popcorn, for example.

—Andrew Weil

Examples of nutritional yeast in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then toss the tofu with nutritional yeast and brown slightly. — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 6 July 2026

Toss it with roasted pumpkin seeds and season with parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, or your favorite spice blend. — Lindsey Desoto, Health, 30 June 2026

Once the pesto is processed, stir in 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026

Transfer to a blender with the nutritional yeast and 1/2 teaspoon salt. — Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nutritional yeast

• beast
• ceased
• creased
• east
• feast
• fleeced
• geest
• greased
• leased
• least
• pieced
• priest