Out of Nutritional yeast, one case
Non-vegan nutritional yeast substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Parmesan cheese
Same amount as the nutritional yeast
The best non-vegan substitutes for nutritional yeast are parmesan cheese, fish sauce, or anchovy paste. Use 1:1 ratio for parmesan, ½ tsp fish sauce for 1 tbsp nutritional yeast, and ¼ tsp anchovy paste for 1 tbsp nutritional yeast.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Pasta
One casethe full nutritional yeast card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of nutritional yeast | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parmesan cheesePasta | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Fish sauceAsian dishes | ½ tsp for 1 tbsp nutritional yeastYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | Anchovy pastePasta sauces | ¼ tsp for 1 tbsp nutritional yeastYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Worcestershire sauceMeat dishes | 1 tsp for 1 tbsp nutritional yeastYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Miso pasteSoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Parmesan cheese
similar taste and texture
Hard Italian cheese with intense umami flavor and salty taste that well mimics nutritional yeast's savory profile
- Best for
- Pasta, Pizza, Salads, Soups, Risotto
Best non-vegan substitute with similar umami and salty flavor. Grate fresh for best results.
Fish sauce
different taste and texture
Fermented fish sauce with intense umami flavor that adds depth to savory dishes
- Best for
- Asian dishes, Soups, Marinades, Stir-fries
Concentrated umami flavor. Use sparingly as it's very salty and fishy. Mix with other ingredients.
Anchovy paste
different taste and texture
Concentrated anchovy paste with intense umami and salty flavor
- Best for
- Pasta sauces, Salad dressings, Marinades, Caesar dressing
Very concentrated umami flavor. Use sparingly and mix well to avoid fishy taste.
Worcestershire sauce
different taste and texture
Fermented sauce with anchovies, tamarind, and spices that adds umami and tangy flavor
- Best for
- Meat dishes, Marinades, Sauces, Bloody Mary
Contains anchovies and tamarind. Use in moderation as it's very concentrated.
Miso paste
similar taste, different texture
Fermented soybean paste with deep umami flavor that mimics nutritional yeast's savory taste
- Best for
- Soups, Sauces, Marinades, Dressings
Fermented umami flavor. Use white miso for milder taste, red miso for stronger flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Non-vegan cooking allows for animal-based ingredients that provide intense umami flavor. These substitutes offer the savory depth that nutritional yeast provides, but with different flavor profiles that can enhance meat dishes and other non-vegan recipes.
Tips for substituting nutritional yeast
7 tips- Parmesan cheese works best when grated fresh rather than pre-grated
- Fish sauce is very concentrated, so start with small amounts and taste as you go
- Anchovy paste should be mashed or blended to avoid chunks in your dish
- Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so it's not vegetarian
- Miso paste dissolves better in warm liquids, so add it gradually
- Combine multiple substitutes for more complex flavor profiles
- Always taste and adjust seasoning after adding substitutes
Notes on nutritional yeast
- Use store-bought parmesan cheese as a direct replacement
- Try a blend of fish sauce + soy sauce + sugar for Asian dishes
- Use dried seaweed flakes for umami flavor in Asian dishes
- Try a combination of anchovy paste + olive oil + garlic
- Use nutritional yeast flakes if available (they're the same thing)
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best non-vegan substitute for nutritional yeast?
Parmesan cheese is the best non-vegan substitute for nutritional yeast. Use 1:1 ratio and grate fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use fish sauce instead of nutritional yeast?
Yes, fish sauce can substitute nutritional yeast, but use it sparingly. Use ½ tsp fish sauce for 1 tbsp nutritional yeast, and mix it with other ingredients to avoid overpowering the dish.
What can I use instead of nutritional yeast in non-vegan cooking?
Try parmesan cheese, fish sauce, anchovy paste, or Worcestershire sauce. Each provides different aspects of umami flavor that nutritional yeast offers.
Is there a dairy-free non-vegan substitute for nutritional yeast?
Yes, use fish sauce, anchovy paste, or Worcestershire sauce. These are animal-based but dairy-free alternatives that provide umami flavor.
Can I substitute nutritional yeast with anchovy paste in pasta?
Yes, anchovy paste works well in pasta sauces. Use ¼ tsp for 1 tbsp nutritional yeast and mash it well to avoid chunks. It adds great umami flavor.