Nooch: it’s versatile, it’s cheezy, and it’s essential in every plant-based kitchen. 

Short for “nutritional yeast,” nooch is a deactivated yeast praised for its nutty, savory flavor. Perhaps you’ve seen it in the spice aisle under brand names like Bragg, Bob’s Red Mill, or Frontier. 

As a delicious source of vitamin B-12 and iron, it’s a food that plant-based eaters have been raving about for years. Here’s how nooch can open up a new world of culinary possibilities in your own kitchen:

  1. Pizza topping: By sprinkling nooch on your pizza, you’ll add all the cheezy flavor and grated texture of parmesan cheese. 

  1. Pasta sauce: Combined with garlic, cashews, lemon, dill, and plant-based milk, nooch will have you going back for seconds of that creamy pasta. Check out our recipe book for inspiration, and turn to page 15 for an easy weeknight recipe. 

  1. Dips: Hummus, artichoke dip, and buffalo cauliflower dip are all musts for entertaining guests. While there are endless ways to make these appetizers, the best artichoke dips combine nooch with cashews and plant milks. Meanwhile, hummus can be whipped up in a blender with chickpeas, tahini, and spices. Throw in some nutritional yeast for depth of flavor!

  1. French fries and popcorn: Jazz up snack time by tossing your french fries or popcorn with nooch. 

  1. Homemade plant-based cheese: Whether it’s a spicy queso, cashew mac and cheeze sauce, or solid cheeze for your plant-based charcuterie board, nooch has you covered. Most recipes call for either cashews or potatoes, some garlic and onion, and a hefty scoop of this fan favorite. 

  1. Chili: Who doesn’t love a pot of warm, spicy, bean chili? As you toss in your spices, add a generous scoop of nooch to kick it up a notch. 

So, next time you see that humble container of nutritional yeast, grab it. Consider it your secret ingredient for perfecting your next plant-based meal.

It’s not just a condiment. It’s a culinary game-changer.