Nutritional yeast, also affectionately known as "nooch," has long been a star player on the vegan stage but its rich, nutty, almost Parmesan-like taste, combined with its diverse health benefits, is beginning to grab the attention of a broader culinary audience.

Famed for its abilities to add a burst of umami to anything from pimento cheese alternatives and pasta primavera to dishes like Cabbage-and-Kale Slaw with Toasted Yeast Dressing, nutritional yeast is asserting its spot on the food scene by adding an extra zing to everyday dishes and sophisticated meals alike.

So, what is this culinary magician and why should it find a permanent spot in your pantry? Nutritional yeast originates from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a kind of wild yeast used in baking bread and brewing beer. The yeast is encouraged to grow within fermentation tanks where it is fed a sugar-rich solution, then heat-treated, pasteurized, and dried. This process deactivates the yeast, releasing amino acids containing glutamic acid, the flavor-enhancing compound found in MSG and other umami-rich foods.

In contrast to baker's yeast, nutritional yeast boasts no leavening properties and is essentially inactive. Instead, it acquires its distinctive cheesy, almost nutty flavor through the deactivation process. Brewer's yeast, on the other hand, is a byproduct of brewing beer and although it shares similar health advantages with nutritional yeast, its bitter flavor makes it less favorable in cooking.

Nutritional yeast packs a powerful health punch, too. F&W senior food editor, Breana Killeen, M.P.H., RD, tells us that the yeast contains all nine essential amino acids, the ones our bodies can't produce by themselves. Additionally, it's rich in B vitamins, especially essential for those championing plant-based diets, and it's a good source of folate, which is known to promote nerve growth.

"As if that wasn't enough, nutritional yeast packs an impressive protein content for those on a plant-based diet," states Killeen. "In fact, two teaspoons of nutritional yeast equate to three grams of protein."

Culinary professionals and avid cooks alike are getting creative with ways to use this intriguing ingredient. From sprinkling it onto popcorn or roasted vegetables to enriching vegetarian meatballs or vegan tofu scramble, it works wonders across a range of dishes. It isn't limited to vegan or vegetarian cooking, either. Justin Chapple at F&W suggests sprinkling nutritional yeast on a mayo-slathered grilled cheese for a crunch and umami-rich finish. Meanwhile, chefs such as Josh Lewis, Carlo Lamagna, and Jonathan Yao are incorporating nutritional yeast in their slaws, eggless noodles, and fortified sauces respectively.

Packed into shaker jars or bags, it's now easy to find nutritional yeast in your local grocery store. Look for brands like Bragg and Bob's Red Mill on the spice aisle or health food section. So next time you are looking to add a burst of umami flavor or a health boost to your dishes, don't overlook the nutritional yeast.