Can Vegans Eat Yeast? Yes, they can. This is an interesting inquiry that many people wonder about, as they consider yeast as a living animal.
And vegetarians will not eat dishes containing any ingredients derived from animals or dairy products such as butter, eggs, or milk.
Fortunately, the good news is vegetarians can eat yeast and add it to their food. We will explain it in detail below.
Is Yeast A Living Animal?
Yeast belongs to a single-celled microorganism that accumulates naturally on the stem of other plants.
It is considered a living organism, but it does not have a central nervous system. Therefore, yeast is neither an animal nor a plant. It should be in the fungal branch.
Why Do Vegans Add Yeast Into Their Diet?
Yeasts are not living animals, which is why they fully meet the vegan standard of vegetarianism.
In other words, yeast processing is not involved in animal cruelty or exploitation because the Ethical Treatment of Animals organization consent to yeast production.
Furthermore, yeast offers many health benefits for vegans as it is made from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
This is a very good mushroom strain for supporting our immune system, reducing inflammation, and treating diarrhea.
Besides, if you are looking for a source of vitamin B12 to boost energy, yeast is all that you need for your B12 deficiency in your daily diet.
What Are Some Types Of Vegan Yeast?
Below we will introduce you to three vegan-friendly yeasts. Specifically, this means if you are vegetarian, you certainly incorporate them into your food as a supplement.
#1. Nutritional yeast
This yeast is especially favored and applied in many food recipes specifically for vegetarians. This leaven type is available in two forms, including flakes and powders.
In detail, nutritional yeast is made by completely drying Saccharomyces cerevisiae at high heats.
The special thing is that this yeast sort is often cultured in molasses, which is why it is more fragrant and sweeter than other varieties.
Also, this is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for vegan diets.
#2. Baker’s yeast
Baker’s yeast is produced by drying one of these ferments like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida milleri, or Lactobacillus sanfrancisco at moderate temperatures.
The purpose of this process is to keep the yeast alive. This fungus is one of the indispensable ingredients in vegan bread making.
#3. Brewer’s yeast
Like nutritional yeast, Brewer’s yeast is also a product of the combustion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at high temperatures. As the name implies, this variety is used in the brewing process.
Despite its bitter taste, this kind of yeast is often considered a supplement with a rich source of B vitamins, amino acids, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and chromium.
What Are Foods Made From Vegan Yeast?
Yeast is used in cooking as an additive ingredient in a wide range of food. Below are some delicious food recipes that you can incorporate yeast into.
#1. Eggless cake and pastry
Yeast is used mostly in the bakery industry, as it may come as an egg substitute. Hence, that’s why these cakes following this recipe are also called eggless cakes.
You just need to add about a tablespoon of yeast and a little vinegar to your usual recipe and bake it. Then you will have yummy vegan pastries waiting for you.
#2. Nooch Popcorn
As we all know, buttered popcorn requires butter in the recipe. However, if you run out of butter at home, you can use yeast instead. The yeast you use here should be nutritional yeast.
First, you need to roast the corn in coconut oil for about 2 minutes to make your corn fragrant and easier to pop.
After that, take out the corn and mix it well with nutritional yeast. Now you can enjoy 100 percent vegan Nooch popcorn.
#3. Baked potato
This recipe may be a bit strange to some people, but give it a try. We are sure that the results of this dish will make you satisfied.
First of all, cut the potatoes into long slices. Then marinate them with salt and pepper for about 5 minutes and let them dry on their own at room temperature.
Next, fry the potatoes in a microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.
While waiting for the potatoes to cook, prepare a mixture of nutritional yeast, minced onion, salt, water, and sugar.
Then marinate the lightly fried potatoes in this mixture. Finally, put it all in the microwave at 180 degrees for about 10 minutes. The results will delight you!
#4. Green Lasagna Roll
Normally, you often make green lasagna roll dishes without any yeast.
However, with the addition of yeast, your rolls will taste softer and not too strong when you chew them.
The Bottom Line
We have already solved your question: Can vegans eat yeast? We would say that vegetarians can add yeast to their vegan diets because it is not a living animal.
Hence, this does not violate any standards of vegetarianism and animal cruelty or exploitation.
We recommend some food recipes containing yeast as an alternative to products of animal origin. Let’s try cooking one of them!
