Given how often nutritional yeast is shared by vegan food bloggers on social media, you might think it’s a staple in a vegan diet.
Nutritional yeast is pretty debatable among vegans; some love it, and some loath it. While it’s rich in protein and vitamin B12, there are some drawbacks which are why not all vegans are fans of nutritional yeast.
Here are some reasons why vegans do or don’t eat yeast.
Why Do Some Vegans Eat Yeast?
There are several reasons why vegans eat yeast.
It’s A Good Source Of Vitamin B12
There are very few plant-based sources of B12. This vitamin is typically found in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. This is why many vegans take B12 supplements.
Only five grams of nutritional yeast contains more than 300% of the recommended daily amount of B12. So, sprinkling some yeast over a meal is a handy way to ensure you are not deficient in this essential nutrient.
This vitamin is important for the formation of new cells, DNA, and red blood cells. Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include fatigue, breathlessness, headaches, heart palpitations, and more. Since this is a fat-soluble vitamin and is stored by the body, it can take some time before you begin to notice these things.
It’s A Complete Protein
Complete proteins are few and far between in plant-based diets. A complete protein is a source of protein that contains all nine essential amino acids our body cannot synthesize.
While plant-based protein sources like nuts, seeds, legumes, and chickpeas contain protein, individually, none of these foods contain all the amino acids you need in your diet. This is why so many vegans and vegetarians make sure to consume a wide variety of plant-based proteins to cover their bases.
Two tablespoons of nutritional yeast contain almost eight grams of protein, which is a good amount for such a small serving of foods. It’s a convenient way to add more protein to your diet without having to add a significantly bigger portion of food.
The only other complete plant-based proteins are soy and quinoa.
To Replace Cheese
Many vegans are skeptical of plant-based cheese alternatives because they’re highly processed foods. So, they consider nutritional yeast a healthy, natural alternative.
Nutritional yeast has a savory flavor that is similar to cheese but is not an exact match. Some vegans will sprinkle it on foods or mix it with other ingredients like coconut milk and spices to make a vegan cheesy flavor sauce.
It’s Usually Suitable For Those With Allergies
Although soy is also a complete protein, it is a common allergen, so many vegetarians and vegans must avoid soy products entirely, like tofu and soy milk.
Nutritional yeast is a way for these vegans to ensure they’re getting the correct nutrients as it is not considered an allergen. It is also gluten-free and suitable for those on a keto diet.
Although quinoa is not an allergen, some people experience digestive discomfort after eating it. This is especially true if the quinoa is not rinsed before preparation, as this process reduces this amount of saponin – a bitter-tasting compound that may cause cramps. So, for many vegans, nutritional yeast is a more convenient source of nutrients.
Why Do Some Vegans NOT eat Yeast?
There are also several reasons why some vegans avoid yeast.
They Would Rather Vitamin Supplements
Some vegans don’t have the time or resources to make sure they’re getting all the right nutrients from their diets. Some people don’t have a lot of time to cook and eat lots of ready-meals, processed food, or spend little time cooking. Or they just don’t trust themselves fully to make sure they’re eating all the correct things.
So, they would rather not calculate how much B-12 they’re getting and just stick to vitamins where they know they’re at least getting the RDA with daily use. Supplements aren’t a replacement for a healthy diet, but they are arguably better if someone cannot get the right nutrients from their diet.
There are Better Cheese Alternatives
There are tons of vegan alternatives to cheese these days that taste, feel, and even smell identical to real cheese. Nutritional yeast has a nutty, savory flavor but doesn’t taste identical to cheese and lacks the same texture, which is why some vegans don’t think it’s worth buying.
It Might Interfere With Medications
Some vegans cannot have nutritional yeast even if they want to.
Many nutritional yeasts may interact with some medications, in particular monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are used to treat depression.
So, if you are on any medication, consult your doctor before adding nutritional yeast to your diet.
It Can Be Pricey
Lots of supplements and so-called superfoods can be pricey. So, many vegans would rather spend their money on substantial foods like rice, tofu, and veggies rather than smaller add-ons like nutritional yeast.
It’s Not Suitable For Everyone
Not everyone can tolerate nutritional yeast, especially in large doses.
Although it is gluten-free, anecdotally, some people who are intolerant to gluten might find themselves feeling unwell after consuming nutritional yeast.
Some people with Crohn’s disease or IBD might also feel unwell after trying nutritional yeast.
Since it’s high in fiber, it’s very easy to overdo it if you’re already consuming a lot of fiber elsewhere in your diet. There’s 16% of the recommended daily amount of fiber in a two-tablespoon serving of nutritional yeast. Consuming too much fiber can cause cramps, nausea, and gas.
So, if you feel unwell, cut back on the amount of nutritional yeast products in your diet or eliminate it altogether and see how you feel. If you suspect something is seriously wrong, consult your doctor.
I hope this helped you determine whether nutritional yeast is for you.
Considering the various reasons why some vegans avoid yeast, you might be wondering about the vegan credentials of nutritional yeast and why it’s considered vegan. Take a look at our in-depth guide addressing this specific subject to gain a comprehensive understanding.
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