Nutritional yeast, often called "nooch," is a deactivated yeast with a savory, nutty, and cheesy flavor profile. It’s a popular ingredient in vegan cooking, used to create dairy-free cheese sauces, thicken soups, and add a savory sprinkle to dishes. When a recipe calls for two tablespoons and your pantry is bare, selecting the right replacement is crucial for a successful outcome. The best swap will depend on whether you're prioritizing the cheesy taste, the savory umami depth, or the nutty, creamy texture.
Best substitutes for replicating cheesy flavor
To achieve a similar cheesy taste, especially in creamy sauces or vegan cheese recipes, consider these alternatives:
- Ground Cashews: Process raw cashews with a little salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a powder with a similar savory, cheesy profile. For two tablespoons of nutritional yeast, you can use two tablespoons of this cashew blend. In creamy sauces, cashew butter can also be used as a replacement, offering a rich, nutty base.
- White Miso Paste: White miso adds a salty and savory umami flavor that is an excellent flavor match for nutritional yeast in sauces, soups, and dressings. Because miso is much more potent, use a smaller amount. For every tablespoon of nutritional yeast, use about 1/3 tablespoon of white miso paste, so for two tablespoons of nooch, use approximately 2/3 tablespoon of miso.
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese: If you have a store-bought vegan parmesan on hand, it's a straightforward 1:1 substitute. These products are specifically formulated to replicate the cheesy flavor and can work well as a dry topping or mixed into sauces.
Alternatives for adding savory and umami notes
If the goal is to add deep, savory, or umami flavor rather than a cheesy one, these substitutions are ideal:
- Vegetable Bouillon Powder: Vegetable bouillon powder or crushed bouillon cubes are a great source of savory flavor for soups, stews, and casseroles. It's typically a 1:1 replacement, so use two tablespoons of powder, but be mindful of the added salt. If using bouillon cubes, crush them thoroughly first.
- Dried Mushroom Powder: Dried mushrooms, especially shiitake, are a powerful source of umami. Grind them into a fine powder and use a 1:1 ratio. This works best in applications like sauces and gravies where the powder will dissolve and integrate its rich, earthy flavor.
- Soy Sauce or Liquid Aminos: These liquid seasonings are a quick way to add a salty, umami kick to dressings, stir-fries, and marinades. The flavor is not cheesy, but it provides a depth of flavor. Since they are concentrated liquids, use a lesser amount. Start with one tablespoon of soy sauce or liquid aminos for every two tablespoons of nutritional yeast and adjust to taste, reducing other salt in the recipe.
Comparison table of substitutes for 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
| Substitute | Flavor Profile | Best Use Case | Equivalent for 2 tbsp Nooch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Miso Paste | Salty, savory, umami | Sauces, soups, dressings | Approx. 1 ⅓ tbsp (use sparingly) | Highly potent; adjust other salt. |
| Ground Raw Cashews | Mild, nutty, creamy | Vegan cheese sauces, toppings | 2 tbsp (blended with spices) | Provides similar texture; higher fat content. |
| Vegetable Bouillon Powder | Savory, salty | Soups, stews, creamy sauces | 2 tbsp | High in sodium; adjust accordingly. |
| Dried Mushroom Powder | Rich, earthy, umami | Sauces, gravies | 2 tbsp | Adds deep, earthy flavor, not cheesy. |
| Soy Sauce / Liquid Aminos | Salty, umami | Dressings, stir-fries, marinades | 1 tbsp (adjust to taste) | Use liquids carefully; potent flavor. |
| Brewer's Yeast | Nutty, slightly bitter | Sauces, coatings (use sparingly) | 4 tsp (⅔ the amount) | Different taste from nutritional yeast. |
| Yeast Extract (Marmite/Vegemite) | Salty, savory, very strong | Sauces, stews (use sparingly) | 2 tsp (adjust to taste) | Very strong flavor; not good for dry applications. |
How to choose the best substitute for your recipe
The choice of substitute depends on the specific dish. For a creamy pasta sauce where a cheesy flavor and texture are desired, a homemade cashew-based powder is a top choice. When creating a savory umami-rich gravy, dried mushroom powder or a smaller amount of miso paste would be more appropriate. For a quick flavor boost in a dressing, a dash of soy sauce or liquid aminos is a simple and effective solution. Always start with a smaller amount of the substitute and taste as you go, especially with potent ingredients like miso or yeast extract, to avoid overpowering the dish.
Conclusion
Finding a substitute for 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast doesn't have to be a daunting task. The key is to first identify the primary function of the yeast in your recipe—whether it's for its nutty flavor, cheesy taste, or savory umami depth. With options ranging from simple pantry staples like vegetable bouillon and soy sauce to more specialized ingredients like white miso paste and ground cashews, you can successfully replicate the desired qualities. By understanding the flavor profile and concentration of each alternative, you can ensure your vegan cooking remains delicious and full of flavor, even without the original ingredient.
