Yeast, – it’s in our bread, our cakes, our beer, and wine. It’s found in some non-alcoholic drinks too as well as probiotics, Marmite and Vegemite (yeast extract), and many other products besides.
It has been used by humans across the globe for thousands of years.
Often among new vegans there arises the question of whether yeast, (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to name the most commonly used variety), is vegan-friendly or not.
This is a common confusion and hey, it’s good to know these things.
Most people know that yeast is not an animal or plant, and they realise it’s ‘alive’ in some fashion. But they don’t know what, exactly it is.
Like plants and animals, they need moisture, warmth, and food to survive. They also give off carbon dioxide as a result of their processes, which, incidentally, is what makes baked goods rise. There are more than 1000 species of yeast.
So what is yeast? And is it vegan?
Yeast are single-celled organisms. In this sense, they are similar to bacteria. But rather than bacteria, they are actually fungi, (neither an animal nor a plant). Yes, these useful little organisms belong to the same family as mushrooms.
So the short answer to the question as to whether yeast is vegan friendly is that yes, it is. Yeast have no nervous system of their own, no brain, they are not conscious. Single-celled organisms, whilst ‘alive’, are literally like the individual cells of your body.
There are different types of yeast that are used in different ways;
Brewers’ Yeast
Brewers’ Yeast (also Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is used for, yes, you guessed it… the production of beers, as well as for bread. It tends to taste bitter.
It can also be used as a nutritional supplement, as it is a rich source of selenium, potassium, iron, chromium. It is also believed to aid digestion. It does contain plenty of vitamins, although B12 is not one of them. The brewers’ yeast that is used as a nutritional supplement is usually a by-product of the brewing industry and in this case the yeast cells are dead, following the manufacturing process.
Nutritional Yeast or ‘Nooch’
Many a vegan has discovered ‘Nooch’, as it’s affectionately known in our community. And if you haven’t yet, where you been?!
Nutritional yeast is not the same thing as brewers’ yeast, though it comes from the same species of yeast. To make this product, the yeast cells are first grown in a sugar-rich rich medium, such as molasses or sugar beets. Then the cells are ‘deactivated’, so the yeast cells are not alive in the final product.
Usually nooch comes in a flake form and looks somewhat similar to fish food.
It has a cheesy or sometimes nutty, savoury kind of taste and for this reason is often used in vegan or veganised recipes that call for cheese. But the other reason we tend to eat it is due to its high nutritional content. Nutritional yeast is a good source of B12 (bear in mind that it’s fortified with the vitamin, it’s not inherently in the yeast), and it also contains other B vitamins, fibre, trace minerals and also around 9 grams of protein per serving.
Engevita is a popular brand that you can find in health food shops such as Holland and Barrett in the UK. In the USA, Red Star and Braggs are popular, and there are many more varieties besides.
The nutritional content of the nooch will vary depending on the brand, so if you’re looking for this, do check the labels.
Other uses of yeast include:
Biofuels
Scientific Research
Some hyaluronic acids (including vegan versions)
All in all, it’s a pretty useful, (and vegan!) product.
