Move Over, Parm: 11 Ways to Use Nutritional Yeast (Even If You’re Not Vegan)

Nutritional yeast is what I like to call a multi-functional secret ingredient, offering flavor and nutritional benefits like additional protein and fiber! Whether you’re vegan, plant-based, or just curious to try something new, here are delicious and creative ways to use nutritional yeast with recipe ideas.

Nutritional yeast – affectionately known as “nooch” – is an inactive yeast that’s often grown on molasses and then harvested, heated, and dried. The result? A flaky, savory seasoning packed with B vitamins, protein, and antioxidants and a low environmental footprint.

Nutritional yeast isn’t just for vegans — the cheesy, nutty flavor makes it a delicious addition to a wide variety of dishes! Why, you ask, should you try it over parmesan if you’re not a vegan?

It’s a lot cheaper than a multi-vitamin and also offers some protein and fiber! Plus, it tastes good and comes in a variety of flavors.

To put it in perspective: two tablespoons of parmesan cheese has 52 calories, 3.6 grams of protein, 0 grams of fiber, 225 mg sodium, and 11% of our daily value of calcium.

Easy Ways to Use Nutritional Yeast

It’s pretty simple to use nutritional yeast in a variety of ways – whether you follow a recipe or add it to whatever you’re eating for dinner. If you have a bag of nutritional yeast in your pantry, remember some of these delicious ways to use it.

1. Sprinkle It on Popcorn

Toss freshly popped popcorn with olive oil or melted butter and a few spoonfuls of nutritional yeast. Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika, any seasonings you like, for even more flavor. If you want to follow a recipe, try “Nooch” Popcorn by Gimme Some Oven.

2. Stir into Scrambled Eggs or Tofu Scramble

A tablespoon or two adds an extra boost of protein (fiber, too) and a delicious cheesy flavor to your breakfast — no cheese required. I love a good egg breakfast in the morning and this is a great way to increase overall protein intake! Two eggs + 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast = about 17 grams of protein!

3. Blend into Smooth Sauces or Dressings

Add some nutritional yeast to creamy sauces or even jarred marinara for some additional nutrition. Use it in creamy cashew or tahini sauces for a dairy-free “cheese” dip or pasta sauce.

The Best Vegan Pesto (Happy Kitchen)

This fresh and healthy vegan pesto is easy and quick to make – you can even make a huge batch and freeze it! The nutritional yeast adds some creamy, cheesiness and, of course, all the nutritional benefits. Serve it with pasta, bread, roasted veggies, or even power bowls.

4. Mix into Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash

Swap half the cheese in mashed potatoes with nutritional yeast for a lighter yet still flavorful version. Try these Cheesy Vegan Mashed Potatoes by Watch Learn Eat for inspiration.

5. Add to Pasta, Rice, or Grain Bowls

Sprinkle on top of mac and cheese (or dairy-free mac), risotto, or grain bowls for a savory finish. Put it in your pasta salad with this Mediterranean Pasta Salad (shown above) from Bucket List Tummy.

6. Toss with Roasted Veggies

Before or even after roasting broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower, toss them with a little oil, spices of choice and nutritional yeast for a savory kick. This is my favorite way to use nutritional yeast! The veggies taste delicious and it’s just so easy. No need for a recipe, it’s that simple, but check out some ideas below for inspiration.

7. Delicious Dips

Cottage Cheese Queso (Cheerful Choices)

This super simple cottage cheese queso dip has just three ingredients. The shredded cheese can be substituted with nutritional yeast and then you have a nutritious and healthy snack! For a completely vegan option, try Best Vegan Queso (Get Inspired Everyday!).

Easy Vegetarian Buffalo Dip (PHX Vegan Dietitian)

This vegetarian buffalo dip has a cashew and white bean base, chickpeas for added texture, and nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.

8. Nutrient-Dense Snacks

Here are some fun ways to incorporate nutritional yeast into snacks for an extra nutrient boost!

Cottage Cheese Crisps with Nutritional Yeast

These “chips” are made with just two ingredients: cottage cheese and nutritional yeast! If you’re a salty potato chip lover, these crisps are a delicious and healthy alternative. I love to dip them in guacamole. There are 34 grams of protein and only 225 calories for this entire recipe (about 11 large chips).

Roasted Garbanzo Beans (Summer Yule)

As if roasted chickpeas weren’t a nutritious snack already – sprinkling nutritional yeast on them just takes it up a notch! Crunchy and flavorful garbanzo beans that make the most delicious savory snack.

9. Broth for Soups

Nutritional yeast can be added to soups to create a more creamy base and provide additional nutrients as compared with just broth, which is mainly water. If you have picky kids who love soup, this is a great way to increase the nutritional content!

Chicken Bouillon Powder (Joy Fillet Eats)

Make your own bouillon with nutritional yeast where all you has to do is add to water and make broth. This powder can be added to casseroles for more flavor as well. Also try this Vegan Gnocchi Soup from Chef Ani with cashew cream.

10. Smoothies

The taste of nutritional yeast can be easily masked when thrown into smoothies! Try this Peanut Butter Protein Shake by Running on Real Food. It’s a vegan, high protein shake that tastes like a chocolate peanut butter cup!

11. Main Dish Options

Try one of the plant-based meals below – or even add nutritional yeast to breading/coatings for chicken or fish for a cheesy crust. For example, this Almond Crusted Salmon from Walder Wellness.

Crispy Baked Eggplant (Melissa Traub)

Eggplant slices are breaded with nutritional yeast and baked until nice and crispy. These make a great appetizer or side dish to any meal. A recipe like this just gives you an idea of how to add nutritional yeast for breading or coating.

Vegan Black Bean Burgers (The Oregon Dietitian)

An easy homemade vegan black bean burger that tastes delicious on the grill! They freeze well, too, for an easy dinner in the future.

Hope you enjoy these recipes and get creative with how you use nutritional yeast! Feel free to follow along for more nutrition content to help you prioritize your health.