Nutritional Yeast for a cheese-like umami
Nutritional yeast carries a deep reservoir of complete protein, B-complex vitamins, zinc, and immune-active β-glucans while remaining naturally gluten free and lactose free.
Grown on purified molasses, gently pasteurised, and rolled into golden flakes, nutritional yeast offers nutty-cheesy umami driven by free glutamic acid.
Its nutrient density and savoury warmth help La Botanique Sacrée build flavour architecture and functional balance across several premium blends
Science and Composition
Chemical Composition
Nutritional yeast provides all nine essential amino acids at roughly fifty percent protein by weight. Fortified nutritional yeast contains up to 733 percent of the daily vitamin B12 value in a ten-gram serving along with exceptional thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and pyridoxine levels.
Natural zinc, selenium, and manganese reinforce antioxidant capacity, while processing leaves only 0.5 gram fat per tablespoon.
Yeast cell-wall β-1,3/1,6-glucans modulate innate immunity by priming macrophage and NK-cell activity, as demonstrated in multiple human trials.
Origin & Nutritional Composition
Commercial nutritional yeast cultures grow in aerated tanks on beet or sugar-cane molasses, then are heat-inactivated to halt fermentation and avoid leavening.
Spray or drum dryers reduce moisture below five percent before the brittle sheet is milled into flakes or powder.
A five-gram spoon delivers twenty calories, four grams protein, two grams fibre, plus 100–150 percent of daily folate and riboflavin, making nutritional yeast a strategic addition to vegan diets
Reported Health Benefits
Randomised trials link daily nutritional yeast intake with reductions in serum LDL oxidation and slight increases in HDL cholesterol, likely mediated by niacin and β-glucans.
6–8 grams nutritional yeast per day improved post-exercise immune vigilance in long-distance runners, reducing upper-respiratory symptoms by twenty-five percent relative to placebo pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov .
Fortified nutritional yeast reliably raises plasma vitamin B12 in vegetarians within eight weeks.
The ingredient supplies glutamate that enhances satiety signalling and can lower overall sodium requirement in formulations without compromising savoury depth.
Heritage and Function
Cultural Significance & Historical Significance
Industrial production began in the 1940s when Allied rationing spurred research into new protein sources; nutritional yeast soon anchored “cheese” sauces for wartime meatless menus.
Counter-culture movements renamed it “nooch” in 1970s California co-ops, cementing its place in plant-based cuisine.
Today chefs deploy nutritional yeast for vegetarian umami alongside miso and porcini powder
Flavor Profile
Nutritional yeast presents toasted nut, light Parmesan rind, and porcini edges with a mild salinity. Free amino acids, especially glutamate and alanine, create a lingering savoury echo without animal fat. Heat amplifies caramel notes, making nutritional yeast suitable for crusts and roasted snacks.
Fun Tidbits
Nutritional yeast stores safely for up to two years in dry amber jars thanks to water activity below 0.2.
A 2024 Life-Cycle Analysis shows producing one kilogram nutritional yeast emits 0.9 kg CO₂e versus 27 kg for cheddar.
Culinary slang “nooch” debuted in a 1981 Toronto macrobiotic newsletter.
Sensory panels rank nutritional yeast among top plant-derived umami boosters, comparable to dried kombu
La Botanique Sacrée's Approach
Nutritional yeast layers sun-dried malt depth beneath Nordic herbs and fermented garlic, binding volatile aromatics while gifting B-complex fortification. Its fine texture resists clumping, maintaining free-flow in high-salt matrices and ensuring non-chalky mouthfeel.
Sourcing Information
Our nutritional yeast flakes grow on purified beet molasses under controlled pH, then are fortified with 44 µg cobalamin and 120 mg zinc per 100 g. Every batch is screened for Candida albicans absence, heavy metals below EU thresholds, and vitamin retention.
Products featuring nutritional yeast
• SMOKY SALT – charcoal-smoked Danish sea salt fused with nutritional yeast for umami lift PRODUCTS
• LA TOMATE – Mediterranean tomato blend where nutritional yeast balances tart sumac and baobab PRODUCTS
• POULETIUM – Nordic paprika rub that wields nutritional yeast to bond spice crusts on roast chicken
