
Nutritional yeast is a food additive made from a single-celled organism, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, which is grown on molasses and then harvested, washed, and dried with heat to kill or deactivate it. It is often used as a cheese substitute in recipes such as AIP Nacho Cheese Sauce. While nutritional yeast was initially included in the AIP diet's YES category by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, further research has identified it as a potential gluten cross-reactor. As such, it is recommended to choose a product that is gluten-free and non-fortified to align with AIP diet guidelines. Individual tolerance may vary, so it is important to listen to your body and discontinue use if you experience any negative reactions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is nutritional yeast? | A food additive made from a single-celled organism, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, which is grown on molasses and then harvested, washed, and dried with heat to kill or "deactivate" it. |
| Is it AIP compliant? | It depends on the individual. Nutritional yeast was initially included in AIP food lists by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne. However, further research has indicated that it may be a gluten cross-reactor due to gluten cross-contamination during production. |
| What should you look for when choosing nutritional yeast for AIP? | Choose a product that is gluten-free and non-fortified. Fortified nutritional yeast often contains synthetic B vitamins and folic acid, which are not AIP-compliant. |
| Are there any conditions where nutritional yeast should be avoided? | Yes, individuals with conditions like Candida (yeast overgrowth), mold exposure, or those who feel unwell after consuming it should avoid nutritional yeast. |
| Are there any AIP-compliant recipes using nutritional yeast? | Yes, there are recipes for AIP cheese sauce, queso, AIP mac n cheese, and AIP Nacho Cheese Sauce that use nutritional yeast. |
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What You'll Learn
- Nutritional yeast is a food additive made from a single-celled organism, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
- It is deactivated through a process of being grown on molasses, harvested, washed, and dried with heat
- Nutritional yeast has been identified as a gluten cross-reactor, which is thought to be due to gluten cross-contamination in production facilities
- It is important to use common sense and avoid nutritional yeast if dealing with conditions like Candida (yeast overgrowth) or mould exposure
- AIP Nacho Cheese Sauce is a popular recipe that incorporates nutritional yeast and is compliant with the AIP diet

Nutritional yeast is a food additive made from a single-celled organism, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae is a type of yeast that is a member of the fungus kingdom. It is a well-studied eukaryote, offering insights into the biological functions of eukaryotic organisms. This yeast reproduces by mitosis as diploid cells when nutrients are abundant, but when starved, it undergoes meiosis to form haploid spores. It is an important model organism in modern cell biology research and has various industrial applications.
In terms of its industrial uses, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae plays a role in the production of fermented beverages like wine, beer, and cider, as well as distilled drinks such as rum, vodka, whisky, brandy, and sake. It is also used in bread-making, where it contributes to the flavour and aroma of the final product.
When considering the use of nutritional yeast in the AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) diet, it is important to note that it may be a gluten cross-reactor due to potential gluten cross-contamination during production. Therefore, it is recommended to choose gluten-free and non-fortified options. However, individual tolerance may vary, and some people may need to avoid nutritional yeast if they have conditions like Candida (yeast overgrowth) or mould exposure.
Overall, nutritional yeast made from Saccharomyces Cerevisiae can be a valuable food additive, especially for those following a vegan or AIP diet, but it is important to choose the right type and monitor how your body responds to it.
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It is deactivated through a process of being grown on molasses, harvested, washed, and dried with heat
Nutritional yeast is made from a single-celled organism, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, which is grown on molasses and then harvested, washed, and dried with heat to deactivate it. This process kills the yeast, rendering it inactive and unable to froth or grow, and thus, it has no leavening ability. No animals are harmed during this process, as yeasts are members of the fungi family, similar to mushrooms.
The process of deactivating nutritional yeast through heat drying has raised concerns about its suitability for the AIP diet due to potential gluten cross-contamination. Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, an AIP expert, initially included nutritional yeast in her list of AIP-compliant foods. However, subsequent research identified baker's yeast and nutritional yeast as potential gluten cross-reactors. This led Dr. Ballantyne to classify these yeasts as potentially gluten cross-reactive foods in her book, "The Autoimmune Protocol." The concern arises from the possibility of gluten cross-contamination during the production process rather than the presence of inherent cross-reactive proteins.
To ensure compliance with the AIP diet, it is recommended to choose non-fortified nutritional yeast products. Fortified nutritional yeast is often enriched with synthetic B vitamins and synthetic folate/folic acid, which can be harmful and cause nutrient imbalances in the body. Additionally, fortified nutritional yeast is typically grown on corn or corn syrup, which are not allowed on the AIP diet.
Some individuals with conditions like Candida (yeast overgrowth) or mould exposure may need to avoid nutritional yeast. It is always advisable to listen to your body and discontinue consuming nutritional yeast if you experience any adverse reactions or discomfort.
While nutritional yeast can be a part of the AIP diet, it is important to choose gluten-free and non-fortified options. Additionally, individuals should be mindful of any specific medical conditions or sensitivities that may require them to refrain from consuming nutritional yeast.
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Nutritional yeast has been identified as a gluten cross-reactor, which is thought to be due to gluten cross-contamination in production facilities
Nutritional yeast is a food additive made from a single-celled organism, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, which is grown on molasses and then harvested, washed, and dried with heat to kill or "deactivate" it. It is often used as a cheese substitute in AIP diets, as it has a cheesy flavour. However, it is important to note that not every food or ingredient agrees with everyone, and some individuals may experience adverse effects when consuming nutritional yeast. For example, those dealing with conditions like Candida (yeast overgrowth) or mould exposure should avoid it.
Brewer's yeast, baker's yeast, and nutritional yeast have been identified as gluten cross-reactors in a study. This means that these yeasts may cause an immune response in people with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease. However, it is believed that this is not due to inherent cross-reactive proteins but rather gluten cross-contamination during the production process. Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, in her book The Autoimmune Protocol, specifies that baker's yeast and nutritional yeast are potentially gluten cross-reactive due to gluten cross-contamination in production facilities.
Therefore, it is recommended to choose gluten-free and non-fortified options when selecting nutritional yeast products. Fortified nutritional yeast is typically grown on corn or corn syrup, which is not suitable for the AIP diet. Additionally, synthetic vitamins added to fortified products can cause nutrient imbalances and put a strain on the kidneys and liver.
It is important to listen to your body and discontinue consuming nutritional yeast if you experience any negative symptoms. Some individuals have reported histamine reactions or other issues when consuming nutritional yeast, even in unfortified forms.
Overall, while nutritional yeast can be a valuable ingredient in AIP diets, providing a cheesy flavour to dishes, it is essential to choose gluten-free and non-fortified options and be mindful of any adverse reactions.
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It is important to use common sense and avoid nutritional yeast if dealing with conditions like Candida (yeast overgrowth) or mould exposure
Nutritional yeast is a food additive made from a single-celled organism, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, which is grown on molasses and then harvested, washed, and dried with heat to kill or "deactivate" it. It is often used as a cheese substitute in recipes such as AIP cheese sauce, queso, and AIP mac n cheese.
While nutritional yeast is AIP-compliant, it is important to remember that not every food or ingredient agrees with everyone or every medical condition. Some people have reported experiencing a histamine reaction or feeling unwell after consuming nutritional yeast. If you are dealing with conditions like Candida (yeast overgrowth) or have been exposed to mould, it is best to avoid nutritional yeast.
Additionally, it is important to choose a product that is gluten-free and non-fortified. This is because nutritional yeast is often fortified with synthetic B vitamins and synthetic folate/folic acid, which can be harmful and toxic to the body, causing nutrient imbalances and overworking the kidneys and liver.
If you are unsure whether nutritional yeast is suitable for you, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional or a specialist in the AIP diet. It may be worth trying a small amount to see how your body reacts, but if you experience any negative symptoms, discontinue use and consult a doctor or dietician.
Overall, while nutritional yeast can be a useful ingredient for those on the AIP diet, it is important to use common sense and be mindful of any pre-existing medical conditions or sensitivities.
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AIP Nacho Cheese Sauce is a popular recipe that incorporates nutritional yeast and is compliant with the AIP diet
Nutritional yeast is a food additive made from a single-celled organism, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, which is grown on molasses and then harvested, washed, and dried with heat to kill or "deactivate" it. It is often used as a cheese substitute in recipes, as it has a cheesy flavour. It is also inactive, so it doesn't froth or grow like baking yeast and has no leavening ability.
Some sources suggest that nutritional yeast is not AIP-compliant, as it has been identified as a gluten cross-reactor. However, this is due to gluten cross-contamination in production facilities and not the product itself. As such, it is recommended to use gluten-free and non-fortified nutritional yeast, as it is typically fortified with synthetic B vitamins and synthetic folate/folic acid, which are not AIP-compliant.
It is important to note that not every food or ingredient agrees with everyone, so it is essential to use common sense and avoid nutritional yeast if dealing with conditions like Candida (yeast overgrowth) or mould exposure, or if it causes any negative reactions.
The AIP diet, or Autoimmune Protocol diet, is similar to the Paleo diet but removes additional pro-inflammatory foods. It is designed to help people with autoimmune disorders and other inflammatory problems.
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Frequently asked questions
Nutritional yeast is a food additive made from a single-celled organism, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, which is grown on molasses and then harvested, washed, and dried with heat to kill or “deactivate” it.
Nutritional yeast is AIP-compliant, but it is important to note that not every food or ingredient agrees with everyone. People with conditions like Candida (yeast overgrowth) or mold exposure should avoid using nutritional yeast.
Some AIP-compliant recipes that use nutritional yeast include cheese sauce, queso, AIP mac n cheese, and AIP Nacho Cheese Sauce.
In addition to nutritional yeast, the ingredients used in AIP Nacho Cheese Sauce include coconut milk, extra virgin olive oil, shallots, garlic, ginger, salt, lime juice, and tapioca starch.











































