Two condiments (well, what I consider condiments) that I’ve kept around since my vegan days are Nutritional Yeast and Bragg’s Liquid Aminos. Both provide protein and vitamins, both add delicious flavor to food, and they taste great together or alone.
The Breakdown:
Nutritional Yeast
I get it. Something called “yeast” doesn’t bring to mind delectable bites. But it’s really quite good! Nutritional yeast is simply deactivated yeast, so, it won’t make bread rise nor will it grow in your intestine as active yeast would if eaten alone. It is sold in powdered form or flakes, which I prefer. Nutritional yeast is rich in protein, fiber, and B vitamins. One serving (1.5 tablespoons) provides 8g protein, 4g fiber, and the recommended daily value of B12 and B6. Are you a pregnant mama? You’ll find 60% of the RDV of folic acid. Needless to say, nutritional yeast isn’t just for vegetarians! B vitamins contribute to energy levels and can ward of depression. And like my yogurt/flax oil breakfast mixture, I find that I crave nutritional yeast on my food–a sign that it must contain something my body needs.
Nutritional yeast has a cheesy, sometimes nutty flavor, so it pairs well with vegetables (with a little olive oil–yum!) or to make sauces. You can sprinkle it on just about anything, though. In fact, in our house, we refer to it as “sprinkles” for my son. 🙂 Try putting it on spaghetti, popcorn, or over your oatmeal. One of our favorite recipes is Dreena Burton’s Vegveeta Cheese Dip–healthy and delicious!
Buy It: the brand I like best is Red Star, which can be found for the best price on Vitacost.com. Get a $10 coupon for Vitacost for a limited time by clicking here.
Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
I include Liquid Aminos in a post with nutritional yeast because I often use them together, as in my savory oatmeal. From the Bragg’s website:
“Bragg Liquid Aminos is a Certified NON-GMO liquid protein concentrate, derived from healthy soybeans, that contains [sixteen] Essential and Non-essential Amino Acids in naturally occurring amounts.” The protein garnered from Liquid Aminos is minimal (about .31 grams/serving), but notable. It is essentially a soy sauce that is more than a salty condiment. Use it to flavor sauces, soups, stir-fry, salad dressing, meat, or casserole. A little goes a long way for flavor!
I just found on Bragg’s website that you can get free samples of Bragg’s seasonings and nutritional yeast! I have never tried their nutritional yeast (and I see that it has less protein and B vitamins than Red Star), but it would give you to opportunity to try the flavor. Click here to go to the Bragg’s site. I love their Apple Cider vinegar, too!
Have you ever tried nutritional yeast or liquid aminos? What are your favorite condiments?
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I’ve been wanting to try nutritional yeast for so long now and wouldn’t have thought to look on vitacost but I’ll be getting some with my next order now…thanks!
Already have a bottle of aminos in the fridge 🙂 I should incorporate it more though!
I like to use aminos in place of salt sometimes in savory dishes or meat marinades.
Really appreciate the info. I see these products at our local health food store but was unsure of how to use them.
I hope you give them a try!
I use both of these on pasta to make a “cheese” sauce. A little olive oil,a splash of soy milk, a good amount of nutritional yeast, a few dashes of brags, some garlic and onion powder and some basil and/or parsley (dried). Both braggs and nutritional yeast go on pretty much every thing we eat!
That sounds yummy!