Out of Nutritional yeast, one case
Nutritional yeast substitute for baking: baked goods
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Parmesan cheese
Same amount as the nutritional yeast
The best substitutes for nutritional yeast in baking are parmesan cheese, miso paste, or a blend of ground nuts with salt. Use 1:1 ratio for parmesan and 1:1 ratio for miso paste, but reduce other salt in the recipe.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Savory breads
One casethe full nutritional yeast card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of nutritional yeast | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parmesan cheeseSavory breads | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Miso pasteSavory breads | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Ground nuts + salt + garlic powderVegan breads | 2 × the amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Mushroom powderSavory breads | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Vegemite/MarmiteSavory breads | ¼ the amountWorks | Works |
Parmesan cheese
similar taste, enhanced texture
Hard Italian cheese with intense umami flavor that bakes beautifully into breads and savory baked goods
- Best for
- Savory breads, Crackers, Biscuits, Scones, Focaccia
Best substitute for baking. Grate fresh and mix into dry ingredients. Reduce other salt in recipe by ¼ tsp per 1 tbsp parmesan.
Miso paste
similar taste, enhanced texture
Fermented soybean paste that adds deep umami flavor and richness to baked goods
- Best for
- Savory breads, Crackers, Pretzels, Bagels, Vegan baked goods
Dissolve in warm water before adding. Use white miso for milder flavor. Reduce other salt in recipe by ½ tsp per 1 tbsp miso.
Ground nuts + salt + garlic powder
different taste, similar texture
Nut-based substitute that provides texture and savory flavor to baked goods
- Best for
- Vegan breads, Nutty crackers, Granola bars, Energy bars, Vegan baked goods
Blend almonds, walnuts, or cashews with salt and garlic powder. Mix into dry ingredients.
Mushroom powder
similar taste and texture
Natural umami powder that enhances the savory flavor of baked goods
- Best for
- Savory breads, Crackers, Pretzels, Bagels, Focaccia
Add to dry ingredients. Use porcini or shiitake for best flavor. Mix well to distribute evenly.
Vegemite/Marmite
similar taste, enhanced texture
Concentrated yeast extract that adds intense umami flavor to baked goods
- Best for
- Savory breads, Crackers, Pretzels, Bagels, Vegan baked goods
Very concentrated. Mix with warm water first. Reduce other salt in recipe by ½ tsp per 1 tsp Vegemite.
How it behaves in this recipe
Baking requires ingredients that can be mixed into dough or batter and maintain their flavor through the baking process. Nutritional yeast is often used in savory baked goods for umami flavor, but when unavailable, these substitutes provide the savory depth that makes breads, crackers, and other baked goods delicious.
Tips for substituting nutritional yeast
7 tips- Parmesan cheese works best when grated fresh and mixed into dry ingredients
- Miso paste should be dissolved in warm water before adding to wet ingredients
- Ground nuts provide the best texture match for nutritional yeast in baked goods
- Mushroom powder should be mixed well with dry ingredients to distribute evenly
- Vegemite/Marmite is very concentrated, so start with small amounts
- Always reduce other salt in the recipe when using salty substitutes
- Test the dough or batter before baking to ensure proper seasoning
Notes on nutritional yeast
- Use store-bought vegan parmesan cheese as a direct replacement
- Try a blend of ground sunflower seeds + salt + garlic powder
- Use dried seaweed flakes for umami flavor in Asian-inspired baked goods
- Try a combination of ground nuts + miso paste + lemon juice
- Use nutritional yeast flakes if available (they're the same thing)
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for nutritional yeast in baking?
Parmesan cheese is the best substitute for nutritional yeast in baking. Use 1:1 ratio and mix it into the dry ingredients, but reduce other salt in the recipe by ¼ tsp per 1 tbsp parmesan.
Can I use miso paste instead of nutritional yeast in bread?
Yes, miso paste works well in bread baking. Dissolve it in warm water before adding, and use 1:1 ratio. Reduce other salt in the recipe by ½ tsp per 1 tbsp miso.
How do I substitute nutritional yeast in vegan baking?
Use miso paste + ground nuts + salt for vegan baking. Add miso to wet ingredients and mix ground nuts into dry ingredients for texture and flavor.
Can I use parmesan cheese instead of nutritional yeast in crackers?
Yes, parmesan cheese is actually better than nutritional yeast for crackers. It adds great flavor and texture when mixed into the dough.
What can I use instead of nutritional yeast in savory scones?
Use parmesan cheese, miso paste, or mushroom powder. Mix into the dry ingredients and reduce other salt in the recipe accordingly.