18 Best Nutritional Yeast Substitutes You’ll Love

Anyone who is vegan is likely no stranger to nutritional yeast. The nutty, cheesy flavor of this ingredient is a staple in many recipes. However, you may not always have it on hand when you need it, so it’s essential to have a substitute.

However, the flavor of nutritional yeast can be pretty hard to replicate, so you have to make sure to use a really good replacement to get the same taste.

Read ahead to find out the best nutritional yeast substitutes.

What Is Nutritional Yeast?

Nutritional yeast, also known as nooch, is a form of deactivated yeast that comes from saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast.

This strain of yeast is heated and dried to deactivate the living yeast cells. The deactivated yeast cells form the flaky yellow powder that is nutritional yeast.

It has a cheese-like nutty flavor that makes it a common staple in many dairy-free and vegan recipes, where it is used to replicate the flavor of cheese and add a savory umami flavor.

Nutritional yeast is often used in many dishes like vegan mac and cheese, creamy sauces, and even popcorn.

Most nutritional yeast sold on the market are also fortified with vitamin B12 and proteins, so it is a great source of healthy nutrients.

Now, we’ve established that nutritional yeast is a great ingredient, but what if you’re new to the whole dairy-free thing and don’t have it on hand or you run out at the last minute?

Well, read ahead, and let’s find you an equally delicious alternative.

Quick Table: Nutritional Yeast Substitutes

1. Vegemite 

Vegemite is a yeast extract condiment made from leftover brewer’s yeast. It is a common kitchen staple in Australia, but you can also get it in many grocery stores in America. 

It is one of the best substitutes for nutritional yeast as it has a similar salty and savory umami taste.

In Australia, it is typically used as a bread spread, but you can add it to sauces, gravies, soups, or even dressings.

However, the taste of vegemite can be pretty intense, so it is best to use it in a recipe that only calls for small amounts of nutritional yeast.

How To Substitute

Use two teaspoons of vegemite for each tablespoon of nutritional yeast required in a dish.

2. Miso

Miso paste is a great substitute for nutritional yeast. It is a Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans.

It has a rich, savory umami flavor and is also slightly sweet. So, if you’re making a dish where nutritional cheese is being added solely for the flavor, miso is a great replacement. It will impart a similar salty umami flavor into any savory dish. 

However, since it is a paste, it is best to add it to hot cooked dishes where it can dissolve easily and create an even spread of flavor. 

If you’d like to properly replicate the nutty taste of nutritional yeast, try to get white miso paste. This type of miso has a nutty taste along with the rich umami.

How To Substitute

Use one teaspoon of miso paste for each tablespoon of nutritional yeast.

3. Brewer’s Yeast

Brewer’s yeast is a kind of yeast formed as a byproduct of brewing beer. Bakers commonly use it to leaven bread, but it makes a great substitute for nutritional yeast. 

It is made from the same strain of yeast which nutritional yeast comes from and has a similar texture.

However, brewer’s yeast has a slightly more bitter taste than nutritional yeast, so it is best to use it only in a recipe that calls for small quantities of nutritional yeast. 

If you are making vegan mac and cheese, for example, this might not be the best option to use.

How To Substitute

Use two teaspoons of brewer’s yeast for every tablespoon of nutritional yeast required in a dish.

4. Vegetable Bouillon Powder

Vegetable bouillon is a seasoning made of herbs, spices, and vegetables. It is used to flavor all kinds of dishes, and it is a great substitute to use in place of nutritional yeast. 

Vegetable bouillon imparts a savory umami flavor into food, so it is perfect for replicating the salty umami flavor of nutritional yeast. 

However, since it is a concentrated seasoning powder, you can really only use it for hot cooked dishes where it can dissolve properly.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing nutritional yeast with vegetable bouillon powder.

5. Dried Mushrooms

Dried mushrooms are another great substitute for replicating the umami flavor of nutritional yeast. They are a very healthy option to use as they are rich in proteins, selenium, and vitamins C and B6. 

Dried mushrooms may not give you the same cheese-like taste of nutritional yeast, but they bring an earthy, savory flavor that will enhance the taste of any dish. You can add them to pasta or sauces and soups. 

To properly replicate the texture of nutritional yeast, it is best to blend dried mushrooms into a powder. All you’ll need to do is toss them in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing nutritional yeast with dried mushrooms.

Here is a video to give you a more detailed explanation of how to turn dried mushrooms into a fine powder :

6. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is another great substitute for nutritional yeast. It is a very common kitchen staple, so it is an ideal last-minute option.

Soy sauce has a bold salty, umami taste similar to that of nutritional yeast, so it will give you a similar savory taste.

However, using soy sauce will not give you the same cheesy and nutty taste. So, it is best used in dishes where nutritional yeast is primarily used for the umami flavor. 

Soy sauce also works best in liquid-based dishes like sauces and soups since it has a liquid consistency.

How To Substitute

Use half a tablespoon of soy sauce for each tablespoon of nutritional yeast.

7. Coconut Aminos

Coconut aminos are a great option to try if you want a gluten-free substitute that will impart a bold umami flavor. 

It is very similar to soy sauce in taste and consistency, but it is made from fermented coconut sap. So, it is often considered a healthier variety. 

You can add coconut aminos to just about any dish that calls for nutritional yeast. However, it won’t work well for dishes where nutritional yeast is being used to mimic the taste of cheese.

How To Substitute

Use one teaspoon of coconut aminos for each tablespoon of nutritional yeast required.

8. Vegetable Broth

Vegetable broth is another great substitute for replicating the savory, umami taste of nutritional yeast.

Using broth won’t result in the same cheesy taste, but it will impart a bold flavor that will surely enhance the taste of your dish. 

However, since it is a liquid, it is essential to either only use it for liquid-based dishes like sauces and soups or add a very small quantity.

How To Substitute

Start with 4-5 tablespoons of vegetable broth and then add more as needed.

9. Chickpeas Flour

If you want a substitute you can use in a recipe that calls for large amounts of nutritional yeast, chickpea flour is the ideal option to try. 

It is made from ground chickpeas and is a great gluten-free option for those with gluten intolerance. 

Unlike most of the other substitutes, it doesn’t have an intense flavor that could overpower a dish.

The taste of chickpeas is neutral and slightly nutty, so it works well in any dish, and you can enhance the flavor by combining it with other seasonings. 

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing nutritional yeast with chickpea flour.

Although you can find chickpea flour sold in most grocery stores, you can save the cost of buying it by making it yourself. Here is a video to show you how :

10. Parmesan Cheese

Nutritional yeast is best known for being used to replicate the flavor of parmesan cheese, so if you’re comfortable with eating dairy, parmesan is the perfect substitute to try.  

With parmesan, you’ll get a bold nutty, and tangy flavor with a whole lot of umami. Its gritty texture also mimics that of nutritional yeast really well, so you can add it to anything from sauces and pasta to popcorn. 

You can also opt for vegan parmesan cheese if you’re on a vegan diet and still want that rich, savory flavor.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing nutritional yeast with parmesan cheese.

11. Dried Seaweed

Most fans of sushi rolls might be familiar with dried seaweed as a key component of the wrap, but it actually makes a great substitute for nutritional yeast. 

It has a salty umami taste that mimics the flavor of nutritional yeast really well, and its texture is very similar when it is broken up into flakes.

Seaweed is also versatile enough to be added to both hot and cold dishes.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing nutritional yeast with dried seaweed. You’ll need to grind the seaweed into a fine powder to get the same texture.

12. Cashew Nuts

Cashew nuts are a great alternative you can try. They are typically combined with nutritional yeast to make vegan cheese, so they are a fantastic nutritional yeast substitute. 

Cashew nuts have a rich nutty flavor with mild sweetness, but their taste isn’t too overpowering, so you can add them to just about any dish. 

The best way to use them for a dish is to blend them into a fine powder; that way, you get the same texture as nutritional yeast. You can then add other seasonings to enhance the flavor.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting nutritional yeast with cashew nuts.

13. Onion Flakes

Many vegan recipes call for nutritional yeast, a good source of B vitamins, selenium, and protein. However, making nutritional yeast is not always easily accessible, so substituting a vegan alternative may be the best option.

Instead of using nutritional yeast, try using onion flakes. Onion flakes are a vegan, gluten-free, and cholesterol-free option to nutritional yeast. To make onion flakes, you can either use dehydrated onion flakes or onion powder.

How To Substitute

Use one teaspoon of onion flakes to replace one teaspoon of nutritional yeast in your recipe.

14. Prepared Vegan Cheese Sauce

A variety of vegan cheese sauces are available in the market, but many are high in sodium and contain oils that can cause inflammation.

Prepared Vegan Cheese Sauce, on the other hand, is dairy-free, low in sodium, and has a rich flavor without the added oils.

For a rich, savory flavor and a cheese-like texture, try using a prepared vegan cheese sauce in place of nutritional yeast in your favorite recipe.

You can find a vegan cheese sauce at the grocery store or online or make your own using an easy vegan cheese sauce recipe.

How To Substitute

Replace prepared vegan cheese sauce with nutritional yeast in an equal ratio.

15. Vegetable Bouillon

The easiest way to substitute nutritional yeast with vegetable bouillon is to make a vegan soup. To make a vegan soup, you will need to add the bouillon to boiling water, let it cool, and add it to the recipe. Vegetable bouillon is vegan and does not have any added salt.

Vegetable Bouillon is a delicious and nutritious vegan alternative to nutritional yeast. It is a rich and savory substitute with a robust flavor that makes it perfect for soups, sauces, and more.

How To Substitute

Use vegetable bouillon in equal quantity to replace nutritional yeast in the recipe.

16. Vegan Worcestershire Sauce

Vegan Worcestershire sauce is a popular substitute for nutritional yeast. Many people are now turning to vegan Worcestershire sauce because it contains no animal products.

The ingredients for the vegan Worcestershire sauce are prepared with onion powder, garlic powder, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and light brown sugar.

One of the most popular condiments for meat-free dishes is vegan Worcestershire sauce. It’s an easy way to give a vegan dish a little extra flavor.

How To Substitute

Replace vegan Worcestershire sauce in equal amounts for nutritional yeast.

17. Vegan Oyster Sauce

In today’s fast-paced world, most people are constantly looking for quick and easy ways to prepare meals that are also healthy and affordable. One of the most affordable and easy ways to do this is by substituting nutritional yeast for vegan oyster sauce.

Nutritional yeast is a popular and versatile ingredient, often used in vegan recipes as a substitute. It has a tangy, salty, and slightly sweet flavor. It is one of the most popular substitutes for nutritional yeast.

How To Substitute

Use the vegan oyster sauce in the same ratio as nutritional yeast.

18. Yeast Extract

You can use yeast extract to fulfill the shortening of nutritional yeast with an umami flavor.

The only difference between nutritional yeast and yeast extract is that the latter contains live active cultures, which can provide various benefits.

In various recipes, you may use yeast extract to substitute nutritional yeast.

How To Substitute

Use yeast extract in a 1:1 ratio to substitute nutritional yeast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Skip Nutritional Yeast In A Recipe?

You can skip nutritional yeast in a recipe. However, you can only do so if the recipe calls for small amounts of nutritional yeast and you wouldn’t the absence too much. 

If you are making a recipe like vegan mac and cheese that depends heavily on nutritional yeast to give it the cheese flavor, then you may not be able to get away with skipping nutritional yeast.

Can You Use Normal Yeast Instead Of Nutritional Yeast?

What most people consider normal yeast, which is active yeast, and it cannot be used in place of nutritional yeast. The two are very different and used for very different purposes.

Active yeast is used as a leavening agent, and its main purpose is to make pastry dough rise, while nutritional yeast is used more as a flavoring agent to add a cheesy, nutty flavor to food.

Using normal yeast will not give you the same taste or result as nutritional yeast.

What Is The Purpose Of Nutritional Yeast?

Nutritional yeast is used in cooking as a flavoring ingredient. It has a cheesy flavor, so it makes a great cheese replacement in recipes that are vegan and dairy free.

Can I Substitute Cheese For Nutritional Yeast?

Since nutritional yeast is usually used to mimic the taste of cheese, you can absolutely substitute cheese for nutritional yeast.

However, this is only if you are comfortable eating dairy, as most recipes that use nutritional yeast are vegan.

Why Does Nutritional Yeast Taste Like Cheese?

Nutritional yeast is made from active yeast which has been heated and essentially killed. Once the yeast cells die, they are broken down into glutamic acid.

It is that glutamic acid (glutamate) which gives nutritional yeast its cheesy and salty flavor.

What Is The Flavor Of Nutritional Yeast?

Nutritional yeast has a cheesy and nutty flavor with a savory layer of umami.

Where Can I Find Nutritional Yeast?

You can find nutritional yeast sold in pre packed jars at your local grocery store. It will typically be stocked either in the healthy food aisle, the spice aisle, or the baking and dry goods section.

You can also find it online on many e-commerce websites.

18 Best Nutritional Yeast Substitutes You’ll Love

Prep Time

15

minutes

Cooking Time

30

minutes

Total Time

45

minutes

Nutritional yeast is used in cooking as a flavoring ingredient. It has a cheesy flavor, so it makes a great cheese replacement in recipes that are vegan and dairy free.

Ingredients

• Vegemite

• Miso

• Brewer’s Yeast

• Vegetable Bouillon

• Dried Mushrooms

• Soy Sauce

• Liquid Aminos

• Vegetable Broth

• Chickpeas

• Parmesan Cheese

• Cashew Nuts

• Onion Flakes

• Prepared Vegan Cheese Sauce

• Vegetable Bouillon

• Vegan Worcestershire Sauce

• Vegan Oyster Sauce

• Yeast Extract

Directions

• Pick any substitute you prefer from the lists above.
• Follow the recipe instructions for your preferred substitute and use the proper ratio required while cooking.

Recipe Video

• Author
• Recent Posts

Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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