Nutritional yeast substitutes
Nutritional yeast substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Parmesan cheese
Same amount as the nutritional yeast
Similar umami and salty flavor.
The best substitutes for nutritional yeast are parmesan cheese, miso paste, or a mixture of ground nuts and salt.
Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast sold as yellow flakes, and its job is savoury depth — the cheesy, brothy, faintly nutty background that makes a vegan sauce taste as though there is cheese in it. One thing worth knowing before you swap: the flakes themselves are barely salty, while almost everything you would reach for instead is very salty, so cut the recipe's added salt and taste before you add more.
- Best for —
- When you want similar umami
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Umami & savory depthprimary
- Aroma & flavor identitysecondary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of nutritional yeast |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parmesan cheeseWhen you want similar umami | Same amount |
| 2 | Miso pasteWhen you want fermented umami | ½ the amount |
| 3 | Soy sauce + garlic powderWhen you want umami and savory | ½ tsp soy sauce + ½ tsp garlic powder |
| 4 | Mushroom powderWhen you want natural umami | Same amount |
| 5 | Vegemite/MarmiteWhen you want concentrated umami | ¼ the amount |
Parmesan cheese
Similar umami and salty flavor
- Covers
- Umami & savory depth
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- When you want similar umami
Use the same amount as nutritional yeast.
Miso paste
Fermented umami flavor
- Covers
- Umami & savory depth
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- When you want fermented umami
Use half the amount as nutritional yeast.
Soy sauce + garlic powder
Umami and savory combination
- Covers
- Umami & savory depth
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- When you want umami and savory
Mix soy sauce with garlic powder.
Mushroom powder
Natural umami from mushrooms
- Covers
- Umami & savory depth
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- When you want natural umami
Use the same amount as nutritional yeast.
Vegemite/Marmite
Concentrated umami flavor
- Covers
- Umami & savory depth
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- When you want concentrated umami
Use ¼ the amount as nutritional yeast.
Questions
3 questionsWhat's the difference between nutritional yeast and regular yeast?
Nutritional yeast is deactivated and safe to eat, while regular yeast is active and used for baking. They have different flavors and uses.
Can I use nutritional yeast instead of cheese?
Yes, nutritional yeast can replace cheese in many recipes, especially in vegan cooking. It adds umami and cheesy flavor.
Is nutritional yeast gluten-free?
Most nutritional yeast is gluten-free, but check labels as some brands may add other ingredients.
Tips for substituting nutritional yeast
6 tips- Nutritional yeast adds umami and cheesy flavor
- It's a good source of B vitamins and protein
- Nutritional yeast is good for vegan cheese sauces and dressings
- It can be sprinkled on popcorn, pasta, and salads
- Store nutritional yeast in an airtight container in a cool, dry place
- Nutritional yeast has a nutty, cheesy flavor that enhances savory dishes