21 Ways to Use Nutritional Yeast

By now you’ve probably heard of nutritional yeast, or “nooch” as it’s known by superfans. These bright yellow flakes are inactive, which means they won’t make bread rise. And you don’t have to cook it to enjoy nutritional yeast—you can add it to your food straight from the container and dig right in. It’s famous for a distinctive cheesy flavor, but it’s entirely dairy-free. Basically, it’s the secret behind all those “cheesy” vegan recipes you’ve seen floating around.

Even if you’re not dairy-free or vegan, nutritional yeast is worth keeping in your pantry because it tastes good in just about anything. It can add a much-needed umami boost to whatever you’re eating, whether that’s granola or popcorn. (In case you don’t know, umami is that savory fifth taste found in mushrooms and cheese, and it will make your food taste amazing.) Plus, as its name indicates, the ingredient is packed with nutrients. One quarter-cup serving contains 8 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and B vitamins.

If you’re not sure how to get started with nutritional yeast, let these 21 recipes show you all that it’s capable of. Many are vegan and dairy-free, if that’s something you’re interested in, but they’re worth trying even if you’re not, because they’re totally freakin’ delicious.