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

While fortified nutritional yeast provides B12 and is a good addition to a vegetarian diet, fortification levels vary widely across brands. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2026

Some include egg yolk and soy, others incorporate nutritional yeast, fruit concentrates, alternative sweeteners or miso. —Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026

Sauté it with olive oil or butter and seasonings such as nutritional yeast, black salt (for an eggy flavor), garlic powder, onion powder, and turmeric (to mimic the golden color). —Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 17 Jan. 2026

Try healthier alternatives like salt-free seasoning blends, nutritional yeast, or cinnamon. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 16 Jan. 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