Brewer’s yeast and nutritional yeast are often thought to be interchangeable, but they each serve very different purposes. While they originate from the microorganism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, their production methods, states, and uses set them apart.
What is Brewer's Yeast?
Brewer’s yeast, as its name suggests, is a by-product of the yeast fermentation process in beer production. It is produced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a type of yeast known for its ability to convert sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide during beer production.
How is Nutritional Yeast Different?
Today, most brewer’s yeasts sold commercially do not come from beer production. The name “brewer’s yeast” has persisted because of its familiarity and cultural recognition. This is where Nutritional Yeast stands.
Nutritional yeast is also derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is produced and processed differently to enhance its nutritional profile :
- Grown on Sugar-Rich Substrates:
Nutritional Yeast is grown on nutrient-rich mediums, typically containing molasses (from beet or cane sugar). This allows the yeast to be cultivated and multiplied in a controlled environment, optimizing its nutritional content. - Enriched and Ready to Eat:
After harvesting, the yeast is deactivated through a heating and drying process. This renders it inactive, but preserves its nutritional value. Nutritional yeast is often further fortified with additional vitamins and minerals – Like Red® Star Nutritional Yeast with its B-complex vitamins, making it a nutrient-dense food that can be consumed directly without any additional preparation.
In Summary:
•Brewer’s yeast has a fermentation role in beer production.
•Nutritional yeast is a nutritious and flavorful product to enjoy as a food or supplement.
