Ingredient

Nutritional Yeast1

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers add nutritional yeast for its savory flavor, often used as a cheese substitute …

What it is

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast, typically *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*. It is grown on molasses or beet sugar and then harvested, washed, and dried. It has a cheesy, nutty, umami flavor.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add nutritional yeast for its savory flavor, often used as a cheese substitute in vegan dishes. It's also a source of B vitamins. You can find it in vegan cheeses, snacks, frozen meals, and baked goods.

Health notes

Nutritional yeast is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is a good source of protein and B vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and B12. The WHO/IARC has not classified nutritional yeast. JECFA has evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake. Evidence does not suggest adverse effects at typical consumption levels.

Allergen info

Nutritional yeast is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It is gluten-free.

Products containing Nutritional Yeast1

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Sweet Earth Natural Foods Harmless Smoky, Savory, With A Hint Of Maple Ham, Harmless Other Meats 192kcal 26.9Protein 5.8Fat 9.6Carbs Sweet Earth Natural Foods Mile High A Melty Medley Of Vegan Ham, Cage Free Eggs, Peppers & Cheddar Cheese Quesadilla, Mile High Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 43% DV per serving 159kcal 10.6Protein 5.3Fat 16.8Carbs

Sweet Earth Natural Foods Cubano The Classic Empanada With Vegan Harmless Ham, Swiss Cheese, Dill Pickles & Dijon Mustard Empanada, Cubano Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving 294kcal 12.6Protein 16.8Fat 24.4Carbs Sweet Earth Natural Foods Mindbender Earthy Mushrooms, Tuscan Savory Grounds, Spinach And Melty Mozarella & Pepper Jack Quesadilla, Mindbender Frozen Dinners & Entrees 186kcal 8.8Protein 8.8Fat 17.7Carbs Sweet Earth Natural Foods Aloha BBQ Savory Grounds W/ Pineapple, Jalapenos & Pinto Beans Quesadilla, Aloha BBQ Frozen Dinners & Entrees 186kcal 6.2Protein 6.2Fat 26.6Carbs Sweet Earth Natural Foods Harmless Ham & Chickpea Patty W/ Sundried Tomatoes Farmstand Breakfast Sandwich, Harmless Ham & Chickpea Patty W/ Sundried Tomatoes Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals 213kcal 11.0Protein 7.9Fat 26.0Carbs Sweet Earth Natural Foods Mediterranean Made With Organic Quinoa & Chickpeas Veggie Burger, Mediterranean Frozen Patties and Burgers 165kcal 12.9Protein 4.7Fat 20Carbs

Sweet Earth Natural Foods Santa Fe Made With Organic Black Beans Veggie Burger, Santa Fe Frozen Patties and Burgers 200kcal 12.9Protein 5.3Fat 28.2Carbs Sweet Earth Natural Foods Traditional Seitan Ground, Traditional Other Meats 158kcal 26.3Protein 3.5Fat 7.0Carbs

Sweet Earth Natural Foods Teriyaki Veggie Burger, Teriyaki Frozen Patties and Burgers 200kcal 12.9Protein 5.9Fat 23.5Carbs Sweet Earth Natural Foods Tuscan Style Plant-Based Grounds With Rustic Notes Of Rosemary, Garlic, Fennel & Kale Savory Grounds, Tuscan Style Other Deli 224kcal 26.3Protein 7.9Fat 10.5Carbs Sweet Earth Natural Foods Pizza Mac & Cheese Pasta, Roasted Tomato, Tuscan Veggie Grounds, Red Peppers, Rosemary & Mozzarella, Pizza Mac & Cheese Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 145kcal 8.2Protein 6.3Fat 14.1Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.