Trader Joe’s Nutritional Yeast is a plant-based seasoning that offers a cheesy, nutty flavor, making it an excellent addition to many recipes. This yellow powder is not only vegan but also packed with B-vitamins, making it a popular choice for vegans and vegetarians looking to add flavor and nutrients to their meals.
Priced at $4.49 for a 4 oz bag, it’s a great value for those looking to add a cheesy kick to pasta, popcorn, salads, and more.
Review of Trader Joe’s Nutritional Yeast
Taste and Texture
Trader Joe’s Nutritional Yeast has a mild, cheesy flavor that’s often compared to parmesan, making it an excellent vegan substitute for dairy in many dishes. The texture is light and powdery, allowing it to dissolve easily into sauces or sprinkle nicely over foods like popcorn or roasted vegetables.
I found it versatile enough to use in a wide range of dishes, from pasta to smoothies. It adds depth to flavor without being overwhelming, offering a subtle savory richness that enhances both savory and neutral dishes.
Convenience and Value
At $4.49, this nutritional yeast is an affordable option for anyone looking to add a vegan-friendly cheese alternative to their pantry. The resealable container keeps the product fresh, and the light powder makes it easy to use in various dishes.
Ingredients
Trader Joe’s Nutritional Yeast is made from a simple list of ingredients:
- Nutritional Yeast Flakes: The main ingredient that provides the cheesy flavor and B-vitamins.
- Fortified with B12: Often added to nutritional yeast to provide an important nutrient for vegans.
The ingredient list is clean, and with the added B12, it offers additional nutritional benefits to plant-based diets.
How to Use Trader Joe’s Nutritional Yeast
Basic Uses
- Sprinkle on Popcorn: Add a cheesy flavor to your popcorn for a healthy, tasty snack.
- Top on Pasta or Pizza: Use it as a cheese alternative by sprinkling it over pasta, pizza, or baked dishes.
- Blend into Sauces: Add it to creamy sauces for a cheesy texture without dairy.
Baking
- Vegan Cheese: Combine with soaked cashews, garlic, and lemon juice to create a vegan cheese spread.
Recipe Suggestions
- Vegan Mac and Cheese
Make a dairy-free mac and cheese by blending nutritional yeast with cashews, garlic, and nutritional milk for a creamy, cheesy sauce. - Nutritional Yeast Pesto
Blend nutritional yeast with basil, olive oil, and garlic for a vegan pesto sauce perfect for pasta or sandwiches. - Savory Oatmeal
Stir nutritional yeast into a bowl of savory oatmeal for a cheesy twist. Add herbs, avocado, and roasted veggies for extra flavor.
Creative Uses for Trader Joe’s Nutritional Yeast
- Season Roasted Veggies: Sprinkle it on roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or cauliflower for a cheesy kick.
- Vegan Scrambled Eggs: Stir into tofu scramble for a cheesy, savory breakfast alternative.
After being baked with some kale using this Kale Chips recipe you get:
FAQs about Trader Joe's Nutritional Yeast
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast, often grown on molasses, that has a cheesy, nutty flavor. It’s rich in B-vitamins and often fortified with additional nutrients like B12.
It has a cheesy, nutty flavor with a mild savory taste, often used to mimic the flavor of cheese in vegan dishes.
When stored in a cool, dry place, it typically lasts 1-2 years. Once opened, it should be used within 6-12 months for optimal freshness.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Nutritional Yeast is an excellent pantry addition for anyone following a plant-based diet or looking for a healthier, dairy-free alternative to cheese. With its mild cheesy flavor and B-vitamin boost, it adds both taste and nutrition to a variety of dishes. From pasta to popcorn, this product is as versatile as it is affordable.
At $4.49, it’s an accessible option for enhancing your meals and boosting their nutritional content. Whether you’re making vegan mac and cheese or simply sprinkling it on veggies, Trader Joe’s Nutritional Yeast is a flavorful, healthy choice.
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Trader Joe's Nutritional Yeast
Product Name: Trader Joe's Nutritional Yeast
Product Description: Trader Joe's Nutritional Yeast is a vegan alternative for parmesan like taste.
Price: $4.49
Summary
Trader Joe's Nutritional Yeast is an excellent alternative to those who can't have cheese but enjoy a cheesy flavor.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Vegan and Dairy-Free: A great cheese alternative for those on plant-based diets.
- Rich in B-Vitamins: Fortified with B12, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.
- Versatile: Can be used in a wide range of savory dishes.
- Affordable: At $4.49, it’s an affordable pantry staple.
Cons
- Strong Flavor: The cheesy flavor may not be for everyone.
- Limited Use in Sweet Dishes: Best suited for savory dishes, not sweet recipes.
Dagmar says
Thanks for your review on this product. I've been wondering about nutritional yeast. I caught the very end of a Dr Oz Show one day and he was with his grandkids sprinkling nutritional yeast on warm popcon. They seemed to love it.
becomebetty says
I made the kale chips pictured. I don't have kids to feed that too, but I had my mother in law try it. Needless to say, she left my house with the bag of kale chips and a request to get two more bags of the nutritional yeast. I call that a success. To be honest, it sat on my self for a long time. I just did not know what to do with it. Now, that I've tried it a few different ways, it's worth experimenting.
Dagmar says
I don't have kids either but the popcorn idea sounds like it could be good. I will definitely need to make the kale chips.
Andrea says
I had this on my shelf for a while and was apprehensive to try, but wow - I really feel like I was missing out! I’m a vegetarian. I put the nutritional yeast on popcorn (after buttered), and also on baked potatoes. I want to try it on pasta yet. I love the taste and texture and the price is great too!
becomebetty says
Hey Andrea! I've only explored the dip and the kale chips. I was underwhelmed with a taste right out of the bag, but if you can find the right use for this, it's actually a really awesome product. Thanks for mentioning popcorn. I didn't even think about trying it there! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
judilyn says
Very interesting! I've been wanting to try it, and this is just the incentive I needed.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
becomebetty says
Hey Judie! It always sounds like you have such awesome recipes, but everyone is telling me how good it is on popcorn. Totally worth a try! Thanks as always for stopping by!
MLyons says
I love a big spoonful of nutritional yeast sprinkled into a bowl of buttered popcorn. It is super delicious! You should definitely try it.
becomebetty says
Hey MLyons! That's what I keep hearing from everyone is about how good it is on popcorn. I'll absolutely have to give that a try. Thanks so much for the tip and for stopping by!
Lynn says
Anyone tried it in pizza dough? Red Star yeast has a recipe using it & was searching to see if trader Joe's carried it when I came across this page. I fell in love with it on popcorn but never experimented. This & Bragg's liquid amino acids (basically soy sauce but not as salty) have to be the 2 easiest most delicious ways to add scads of nutrition to a meal.
becomebetty says
Hey Lynn! I'm not vegan, but I do like this product. I've used it to make my own kale chips, but in regards to your question, here is a recipe for vegan pizza using the nutritional yeast. I hope it helps! https://minimalistbaker.com/my-favorite-vegan-pizza/