Navigating Your Grocery Store for Nutritional Yeast
Finding nutritional yeast, or "nooch," for the first time can feel like a scavenger hunt. Because it's not a common household spice for everyone, it often gets placed in less-trafficked aisles. However, knowing the key locations will help you head straight to the right spot.
The Health Food or Natural Products Aisle
For many mainstream supermarkets, the health food aisle is your best bet. This section groups organic, vegan, and specialty dietary products together, and nutritional yeast fits perfectly here. Look for it among other plant-based staples and flour alternatives. This is a common location in stores like Safeway and Kroger.
Bulk Food Section
If your grocery store has a bulk food section, this is a prime location to find nutritional yeast. Buying in bulk is often the most cost-effective way to purchase this lightweight ingredient. You'll find large bins of yellow flakes, where you can scoop the desired amount into a bag. Stores like Whole Foods often feature bulk bins for nutritional yeast.
Spice and Condiment Aisle
Since it's used as a seasoning, nutritional yeast sometimes finds its home alongside other spices and condiments. This is a more common placement in stores with smaller health food sections. Check for packaged canisters or bags near the seasoning blends and other specialty items.
Baking and Flour Section
Given that it's a type of yeast, some retailers place it with other baking ingredients. While it's an inactive yeast and won't make bread rise like baker's yeast, this is still a possibility if other aisles turn up empty. Look near the flour and other specialty yeasts.
Other Potential Spots
Depending on the store's layout, you might also check areas like the gluten-free section or the plant-based food and dairy alternative aisle, especially in stores with extensive vegan offerings.
Buying Nutritional Yeast Online
If local options are limited, shopping online is the most convenient and often cheapest way to get nutritional yeast, especially in bulk.
- Major Marketplaces: Large online retailers like Amazon and Walmart sell numerous brands, including Bragg and Bob's Red Mill.
- Health Food Websites: Specialty stores such as iHerb and Vitacost offer a wide selection of different brands and quantities.
- Brand Websites: Many brands sell their products directly from their official sites, which can be a good way to buy in bulk.
Understanding Types of Nutritional Yeast
When shopping, you may notice different types of nutritional yeast available. The main distinction is between fortified and unfortified varieties.
| Feature | Fortified Nutritional Yeast | Unfortified Nutritional Yeast |
|---|---|---|
| Nutritional Profile | Contains additional vitamins and minerals, notably Vitamin B12, which is added during processing. | Contains only the naturally occurring vitamins and minerals present in the yeast cells, without any synthetic additions. |
| Sourcing for Vegans | Essential source of Vitamin B12 for many vegans, as B12 is typically found in animal products. | Must be paired with another reliable source of B12 if relying on it for this nutrient. |
| Processing | Nutrients are added after the yeast is grown and deactivated. | Less processed, relying on its natural nutrient content. |
| Appearance & Taste | Generally has a consistent yellow color and a distinct cheesy flavor profile. | Flavor and color can vary slightly between brands due to natural variations. |
Cooking with Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast's cheesy, nutty flavor makes it an incredibly versatile ingredient. It can be sprinkled directly onto dishes or incorporated into recipes.
Here are a few popular uses:
- Vegan Cheese Sauce: A staple in vegan cooking, nooch is the star ingredient in creamy, dairy-free cheese sauces for mac and cheese, nachos, or potatoes. Check out this recipe for a great starting point.
- Popcorn Topping: Sprinkle it over freshly popped popcorn with a little salt for a savory, cheesy snack.
- Pasta and Grains: Use it as a substitute for Parmesan cheese on pasta, risotto, or roasted vegetables.
- Thickening Agent: Stir it into soups, stews, and gravies to add flavor and a creamy texture.
- Seasoning for Scrambles: Add it to tofu scrambles for a cheesy, savory breakfast.
Storing Your Nutritional Yeast
Proper storage is key to maintaining the flavor and nutritional potency of your nutritional yeast. It's a shelf-stable product with a long shelf life, typically lasting up to two years when stored correctly.
Storage Tips:
- Store in a cool, dry, and dark place, like a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Use an airtight container to prevent moisture from causing clumping.
- For maximum freshness, particularly for fortified varieties, consider storing it in the refrigerator or even the freezer. It won't freeze solid, so you can scoop it out as needed.
Conclusion
Whether you're new to vegan cuisine or simply looking for a new, flavorful pantry staple, locating nutritional yeast is simple once you know where to look. By checking the health food, bulk, and spice aisles of your local store, or shopping online, you can quickly find this cheesy, nutty ingredient. Its versatility and nutritional benefits make it a worthy addition to any kitchen. Proper storage will ensure you get the most out of every purchase, keeping your nooch fresh and flavorful for years to come.
