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I’m not usually impulsive in the grocery store these days, but the algorithm kept showing me this ingredient again and again until I finally gave in and added it to my online shopping basket. I wasn’t sure what to expect, whether it would taste good, weird, or somewhere in between. Either way, curiosity won, and I finally got to try nutritional yeast for the first time.
What is Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional yeast is a pantry ingredient that comes in small yellow flakes with a naturally cheesy, nutty flavor. Unlike the yeast used for baking, it’s deactivated, which means it won’t make dough rise. You can sprinkle it on pasta, mix it into soups, or even add it to popcorn to give dishes an extra layer of flavor.
It’s also a little nutritional powerhouse, full of B vitamins and a bit of protein, so it adds a tiny health boost without any fuss. For home cooks, it’s one of those simple ingredients that can quietly make everyday taste more interesting and satisfying.
Why I Tried Nutritional Yeast?
I tried it mostly out of curiosity. I kept noticing it in vegan and plant-based recipes, and I was curious why it’s such a handy ingredient in so many dishes. Plus, I love discovering ingredients you don’t usually find in a typical Filipino kitchen.
The Nutritional Yeast I tried
I ended up getting Greenola Nutritional Yeast Flakes from Shopee for this first try. I noticed that nutritional yeast is a bit expensive, but this one felt budget-friendly enough for me to finally buy it. If you’re curious, here’s the same one I bought.
First Impressions on the Flavor
I wasn’t entirely certain about the taste at first. While reading reviews before buying it, someone mentioned it had a slightly bitter edge. Maybe that’s what they call expectation bias, or maybe my brain was just trying to match what I read, but I did notice a slight bitterness at the beginning. Still, the cheesy flavor came through, which pleasantly surprised me.
The flakes themselves are light and almost snow-like. I tried making a simple salad with chickpeas, pickled cucumber, and red onion, and it added a subtle savory lift that made each bite feel tastier without overpowering the other ingredients.
I’ve only tried it in that salad so far, and as someone who likes to think through every little step in the kitchen, I can’t stop imagining all the other ways I could use it. Maybe a sprinkle on roasted sweet potatoes, stirred into creamy oats, or tossed with sautéed greens. It’s exciting to think that such tiny golden flakes could quietly transform ordinary dishes into something unexpectedly tasty.
I’m just getting started with nutritional yeast, but I can already see how it can transform simple dishes. I’ll be sharing more recipes and ideas soon, so stay tuned if you want to see how these golden flakes can elevate your everyday meals!
Storage / Pantry Tips
I store my nutritional yeast in a clean glass jar to keep the flakes fresh and dry. I also did a little research to make sure I was storing it the right way, and here’s what I found works best:
- Keep it cool and dry. A pantry or cupboard away from heat and sunlight is ideal.
- Use an airtight container. This helps maintain flavor and nutrition.
- Label the jar. I jot down the date I opened it so I can keep track. Nutritional yeast usually stays fresh for 12–24 months if stored well.
- Check for clumps or smell. If it changes color, develops a strange odor, or gets sticky, it might be past its prime.
- Freezing works for bulk. If you have a large batch, portion some into airtight freezer bags to keep it fresh longer.
Let’s Talk
I would love to swap ideas with fellow food lovers! Have you tried nutritional yeast before? How do you like to use it in your meals? Share your tips, favorite recipes, or kitchen experiments. I’m excited to hear from you :))
You can also follow my kitchen adventures on Instagram @barelysalted for more recipe experiments and pantry finds.
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