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
Andrew WeilExamples of nutritional yeast in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The properties of brewer’s yeast The benefits of brewer’s yeast (and its cousin, nutritional yeast) are mainly related to its very high content of B vitamins, which are essential to the body and nervous system.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025
Blend into pesto or pulse them with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free Parmesan, or use them as a crust for tofu or veggies.
— SUZANNE FISHER, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Potential Downsides
Nuts like cashews are a healthy addition to most diets.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2025
So do many vegans, who swap in nutritional yeast for recipes that typically call for cheese.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2024
Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy-like taste and a boost of nutritional value.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nutritional yeast
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Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025
Blend into pesto or pulse them with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free Parmesan, or use them as a crust for tofu or veggies.
— SUZANNE FISHER, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Potential Downsides
Nuts like cashews are a healthy addition to most diets.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2025
So do many vegans, who swap in nutritional yeast for recipes that typically call for cheese.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2024
Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy-like taste and a boost of nutritional value.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nutritional yeast
Cite this Entry
“Nutritional yeast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutritional%20yeast. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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