When to Use Nutritional Yeast (Plus a Summer Grilled Corn Recipe)

Nutritional yeast has a way of surprising people the first time they try it. These pale yellow flakes, once sprinkled onto a dish, bring a savory, almost cheesy flavor that's reminiscent of parmesan. Unlike baker's yeast, it's inactive: it doesn't make dough rise, it seasons. It's a staple in a lot of vegetarian and vegan kitchens, but it earns its place in any kitchen looking for flavor and simplicity.

At Moulin Abénakis, our nutritional yeast flakes are a good source of vitamin B12, a nutrient that's especially important for people following a vegetarian or vegan diet. We offer it in three versions: original, toasted, and garlic-parmesan, each with its own personality in the kitchen. Here's when and how to use it, plus a simple recipe to try tonight.

1. On pasta and hot dishes, just like parmesan

This is the most classic use. Sprinkle nutritional yeast directly onto your pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, exactly the way you would with grated parmesan. Our toasted version has a deeper, slightly nutty flavor, perfect for heartier dishes like chili or tomato sauce.

2. On popcorn and crunchy snacks

Homemade popcorn becomes a whole different experience with a bit of nutritional yeast. Add it right after popping the corn, with a drizzle of oil so it sticks well. Our garlic-parmesan version works especially well here, since it already adds that garlicky touch without any extra effort.

3. In dressings and sauces for umami depth

A bit of nutritional yeast in a homemade dressing or sauce adds a depth of flavor you can't quite put your finger on. That's the umami effect at work. Mix it with olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and garlic for a dressing with a lot more character than the usual recipe.

4. In soups and stews to round out the flavor

Added near the end of cooking to a soup, chili, or legume-based sauce, nutritional yeast rounds out the overall flavor of the dish. It acts a bit like a concentrated broth, without the added salt often found in store-bought stock.

5. On grilled corn on the cob, for a summer touch

Nothing beats a grilled corn on the cob on the barbecue in summer. With a bit of nutritional yeast, lime, and smoked paprika, it turns into a vegan take on Mexican street corn, perfect for dinner on the patio.

BBQ Grilled Corn with Nutritional Yeast

Ingredients (serves 4 ears)

• 4 fresh ears of corn, husked
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil or melted vegan butter
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) Moulin Abénakis nutritional yeast
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2.5 ml (½ tsp) smoked paprika
• A pinch of sea salt
• Lime wedges, for serving

Preparation

1. Preheat the barbecue to medium-high heat.
2. Brush each ear of corn with olive oil or melted vegan butter.
3. Grill the corn for 10 to 12 minutes, turning regularly, until tender and lightly charred in spots.
4. Remove from the grill and drizzle immediately with lime juice while the corn is still hot.
5. Sprinkle generously with nutritional yeast and smoked paprika on each ear.
6. Add a pinch of sea salt and serve with extra lime wedges.

For a richer option: brush the corn with a bit of vegan mayo before adding the nutritional yeast, for a creamier texture that helps it stick to the kernels, closer to the traditional Mexican street corn style.

A simple ingredient, made to fit your kitchen

Nutritional yeast doesn't need to be complicated to make a real difference in your cooking. At Moulin Abénakis, we believe the best ingredients are the ones that fit easily into your everyday cooking, without unnecessary complications. Whether you sprinkle it on, whisk it into a dressing, or turn it into a cheese sauce, our nutritional yeast gives you a simple way to add flavor and nutrients to your meals. Discover our three flavors, and find more ideas on our Inspirations page.