Does Nutritional yeast contain dairy or gluten?

Based on the ingredients provided, it contains no dairy or gluten. It is naturally vegan and gluten-free, though you should always check for specific facility processing warnings.

Is Nutritional yeast good for weight loss?

Yes. It is very low in calories (about 20 per tablespoon) and adds intense flavor, which can help reduce the need for high-calorie sauces or fats.

Where can I buy Nutritional yeast?

It is widely available at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Sprouts, and general grocery stores in the bulk spice or baking aisle, as well as online via Amazon.

Is Nutritional yeast safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children. It contains no caffeine and is low in sugar. It is a great way to sneak extra vitamins into picky eaters' meals.

Is Nutritional yeast Kosher?

Yes, nutritional yeast is considered Kosher. Based on an analysis of its ingredients, specifically inactive dry yeast and standard vitamin fortification, there are no animal-derived products or processing aids that would violate Kosher dietary laws. It is a safe, savory seasoning for those keeping Kosher.

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why nutritional yeast is Kosher, we need to look at the production process and the specific ingredients listed. The primary ingredient is inactive dry yeast. This is a fungus (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) grown on a carbohydrate source, usually molasses or sugar cane. Since yeast itself is a plant-based organism and the growth medium is plant-derived, the base product is inherently Pareve (neat meat nor dairy).

The second category of ingredients involves fortification. The product is fortified with Niacin (Vitamin B3), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Thiamin Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Folate (Vitamin B9), and Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12). These are synthetic vitamins. In the context of Kosher law, synthetic vitamins are not subject to the same restrictions as vitamins extracted from animal sources (like gelatin-capsuled vitamins). They are considered neutral and permissible.

Finally, there is the issue of Kosher for Passover. While standard nutritional yeast is Kosher year-round, strict observers should look for a specific Kosher for Passover certification on the label during that holiday. This is because the yeast is grown on a substrate that may contain fermented grain byproducts. However, for general year-round Kosher consumption, standard certification is sufficient.

Nutritional Value

Nutritional yeast is a powerhouse of nutrition, particularly for those on plant-based diets. A standard serving is very low in calories (approx. 20 calories per tablespoon) and contains virtually no fat or sugar. This makes it an excellent flavor enhancer for those monitoring their caloric intake for weight loss or management.

Because it is fortified, it is an exceptional source of B vitamins. The inclusion of Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) is the most critical component for vegans, as B12 is rarely found in plant foods. It provides a complete protein profile, containing all nine essential amino acids. It fits easily into low-carb, keto, and gluten-free diets, provided the specific brand is certified gluten-free (though most are naturally gluten-free).